Herman “Herm” George Hormel II, 87, passed from this earth on March 28, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus-Rochester surrounded by his loving wife and family just six days shy of his 88th birthday.

He was born April 3, 1930, in Austin, Minnesota, the youngest of three children born to Donald and Olive (Blondell) Hormel. He attended St James School for Boys in Faribault, Minnesota, and graduated from Austin High School.

While in high school, he was active in his church and volunteered at the Red Lake Indian Reservation, teaching Sunday school and helping to repair homes in the area. Following his high school graduation, Herman attended Macalester College for two years, but chose to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict. While in the Air Force, Herman was a radio operator and navigation instructor. In 1951, he married the love of his life, Kirsten (Aune) Hormel. Two of their daughters, Kari and Gretchen, were born during their time at Nellis Air Force Base.

Following his years in the Air Force, Herman and his family moved back home to Minnesota, settling in Minneapolis. Following graduation from the University of Minnesota, Herman worked as a parole officer and social worker. Herman always had a love of music and photography. While in Minneapolis, he played folk and classical guitar in small cafes. Following a move to Faribault, he worked at the Faribault State Hospital. He also taught Sunday school at the Cathedral of our Merciful Savior, working with the youth group. Soon after moving to Faribault, they welcomed another girl, Kirsten, to the family.

In the 1960s, Herman’s career changed from social work to teaching, and he began teaching at St Mary’s Hall in Faribault. He taught there for five years, then continued teaching in Episcopal schools in Gates Mills, Ohio, and Memphis, Tennessee. In 1979, Herman and Kirsten made their home in Rochester, Minnesota, and were active members of St. Luke’s and Calvary Episcopal churches. He then began work as a program director at Hiawatha Homes. He loved his work there with the children and staff. Herman was a kind and gentle spirit, always supportive of family and friends and never spoke ill of others. Throughout his lifetime, he welcomed many pets into their home, often strays.

Herman is survived by his wife of 66 years, Kirsten Aune Hormel; daughters, Kari (Mason) Ouderkirk, Gretchen (Dennis) Davey and Kirsten (Richard) Vitale; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Olive Hormel; and his sisters, Mary (Hormel) Moss and Helen (Hormel) Johnson.

His memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, at Calvary Episcopal Church in Rochester. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Calvary Episcopal Church Sunday School.