Truman Hermanson, age 86, of Detroit Lakes, MN, died Monday, January 19, 2009 at Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes.
Truman Hermanson was born to Henry and Olga (Wermager) Hermanson in Fertile, Minnesota on September 20, 1922, where his father owned a livery stable. A short time later the family moved to Mahnomen, MN, where his father owned a farm in Marsh Creek Township, and also worked at the Ford garage. Truman attended elementary and high school at Mahnomen and graduated from there in 1940.
Truman joined the US Arm Air Corps. When asked when he did this he replied, "There will soon be war with Germany or Japan, or both, and that will be far more exciting than farming horses in Mahnomen."
He served in the North Pacific for 2 ½ years with the 11th Air Force. When the Japanese had been completely removed from the Attu and Kiska Islands, and only then, he was returned to the USA. He was rewarded for his service by being sent to a Miami Beach luxury hotel for three weeks for rest and relaxation. Thank you Uncle Sam. He was then sent to Washington D.C. Andrew's Field and worked as a flight engineer, an air crew member transporting VIPs from the Pentagon around the world. This was very rewarding work. After Japan surrendered he was discharged at Andrew's Field and he returned to Mahnomen.
In 1947 he married Marianne Bloomquist. Truman later moved to Leed, North Dakota and was in the automobile business with his father. In 1950 he married Pricilla Halverson and Mabel, Minnesota. They moved to Colorado Springs in 1953 and remained there for 40 years. During his 40 years, Truman worked as a land developer, R.E. Broker and general contractor. Priscilla worked as a hospital administrator.
In 1993 they both retired and moved to Mabel, MN, Priscilla's hometown. Priscilla passed away in 1998 after a long illness. Truman later moved to Detroit Lakes and spent the last few months at Immanuel Nursing Home.
Truman belonged to the Al Kaly Shrine, Masons, 11th AF Association and VFW Legion.
Truman is survived by a sister, Mary Lou Weeks of Scotts Valley, CA and a great number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Priscilla; brothers: Francis, Alton, Kenneth and Wallace.
Memorial Services will be held at a later date.