Nelmi Maria Hermanson
(May 25, 1910 - June 6, 2008)
 

Grand Marais

Nelmi Maria Hermanson, age 98 – the oldest living female in Grand Marais at the time of her death, died on Friday morning, June 6, 2008 at the Luce County Annex in Newberry. She was born in Grand Marais on May 25, 1910 to Alex and Selma Niemi. Nelmi graduated from Grand Marais High School in 1928. She married Edward Hermanson on May 9, 1934. Together they owned and operated Hermanson Merchandise from 1945 until 1969. They were married over 63 years when Ed preceded her in death on May 25, 1997. Nelmi was a very active member of the First Lutheran Church. She served as secretary and organist for many years. Nelmi also served on the Grand Marais School Board and she enjoyed hunting partridge, hiking, and crocheting.

Nelmi is survived by her son and daughter-in-law – Sidney and Rose Hermanson of Banning, CA; grandchildren – Christine (Robert) Murner of Wilbraham, MA and Scott (Karla) Hermanson of Plano, TX; great-grandchildren – Nicholas and Sidney Murner and Matias, Annika, and Marko Hermanson; sister – Norma Thomas of Escanaba. She was preceded in death by her husband Ed, parents Alex and Selma, and siblings Ellen Benson, Walt Niemi, Alex Niemi, Hugo “Ike” Niemi, Elmer Niemi, Alma Thomas, and Vernon Niemi.

Services for Nelmi will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at the First Lutheran Church in Grand Marais. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Robert Gardner will officiate and interment will be at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Grand Marais.

Submitted by Char Livermore