Wayne C. Hermanson (84) of Owatonna; surrounded by family, passed away on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

Wayne was born November 9, 1939, in Rindal, MN to Owen and Corinne (Haugen) Hermanson. The family lived in Bejou and the Mahnomen area where Wayne attended elementary and Junior High before moving to Kenyon. Wayne graduated as a member of the Kenyon High School Class of 1957. After high school, he continued his education at Mankato State College in Mankato, graduated in 1961 and began his teaching career in Butterfield, MN until 1966. While teaching in Butterfield, he met and married Jean Ida Hildebrandt in June of 1962. Wayne and Jean had their first two children Jayne and Pam while living in Butterfield. In 1966, Wayne and Jean moved to Owatonna where he continued teaching eighth-grade English at the North Junior High. Wayne and Jean welcomed their third child, Becky. Jean Ida passed away in 1973 leaving Wayne a single dad of three little girls. Wayne returned to college and earned his Master's Degree in 1974. In September of 1975, he married Jean Ann Peterson. Jean and Wayne taught in the same building together for 29 years. In addition to being a well-respected and memorable English teacher, he held the positions of Interim Principal for one year and Dean of Students until his retirement in 1995. Wayne and Jean Ann were married for 27 years until she passed away in 2003. Long time friend, Janell Salcedo; who Wayne affectionately called "Babe", spent 20 wonderful years together, traveled around the world, saw all 50 states and spent years enjoying their home in Punta Gorda, Florida.

Wayne was an Honorary Life member of the Owatonna Elks Lodge #1395. He proudly served many positions at the local and state level of the Elks. Wayne served as Exalted Ruler for two terms, South District President, State Trustee, and State President. He proudly initiated his 3 daughters as Elks in 1995 and in April of this year, he proudly installed them as officers of the Owatonna Lodge. Wayne loved to travel, and encouraged his girls to make time to do the same. He loved watching the Minnesota Twins he affectionately called the "Twinkies". He cherished outings with his daughters and was very proud of his 4 granddaughters; watching them grow, teaching them proper grammar, and following them in their sports which resulted in many, sometimes long-distance trips to watch gymnastics, golf and basketball.

Wayne is survived by his daughters Jayne Kath, Pamela Hermanson and Becky Hermanson-Hill all of Owatonna; son-in-law Jeff Hill; his "Babe" Janell Salcedo; grandchildren Stephanie (Tyler) Burke, Lauren Barber, Sophia (Jesse) Starks and Piper Hill; great-grandchildren Lenyx, Leightyn, and Sterling Wayne; step-daughter Beth Steckler and her children Elly and Josh; step-grandchildren Allyson Yennie and her children Olivia, Owen and Sophia, and Kory (Melissa) Kath and their children Norah and Brennan; Janell's daughter Natalee (Shun)Eison and their children Landon, Logan, Leighton and Levi, and Janell's son Brandon (Jenna) Salcedo and their children Blayke, Brayden and Brooklyn "Petunia"; brothers-in-law, Roger (Deb) Peterson, Howard (Barb) Peterson, Rick (Gretchen) Peterson, Gary Peterson; sisters-in-law, Sue Whitney, Emma (Ben) Amann, Margareta (Walter) Oeltjenbruns, Yvonne Hildebrandt, Kathleen Svalland and Carolyn Chester along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Ida Hermanson (1973) and his second wife, Jean Ann Hermanson (2003); parents Owen and Corinne; In-laws Emil and Lydia Hildebrandt & Howard and Phyllis Peterson; sister Kay (Harvey) Solomon; and son-in-law Jeff Kath.

At Wayne's request, a Celebration of his life will be held at the Owatonna Elks on Friday, August 23, 2024. The Elks will open at 2:00 PM. A service will begin at 3:00 PM. The family looks forward to seeing you and celebrating Wayne's life with stories, food and more. A private Inurnment will be at the St. John Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to make a donation to the Owatonna Public School 761, Owatonna Elks Lodge 1395 or donor's choice.

Wayne would like to be remembered as "honest, fair, not two-faced" and hopes to be remembered as "a good dad, an effective teacher, and a good Elk".