NORMAN HERMANEK

Norman Floyd Hermanek was born on December 8, 1925 in Geddes, and passed away on November 10, 2019, at the Wagner Good Samaritan Center at the age of 93. He was the only son of four children blessed to Charles and Mary (Varilek) Hermanek.

Norman attended Goose Lake Country School and graduated at the age of 16 from Geddes High School in 1942. In 1945, he traveled by train to Minneapolis for his military physical. Since he was the only son and the war was ending, he did not have to serve. He returned to the farm.

Norman met Bernice Lawyer at a dance in Lake Andes in 1943. They were united in marriage June 20, 1948 a Sunday evening at the Geddes Methodist Church. Norman and Bernice made their home east of Geddes on a farm for over 44 years. In 1992, they retired from farming and moved to Geddes. Two children were born to this union.

Norman and Bernice started square dance lessons in Pickstown in 1956, which led to over 40 years of dancing, but 38 of those years were doing what he loved best, being a square dance caller. He called all over South Dakota and eight other states including Hawaii, California and Washington. He called at five National Square Dance conventions attended by thousands of dancers. He served as the President of the South Dakota Square Dance Association and the Geddes Do Si Do Club. His love of music also came through when he played his accordion, organ and through song. He was a member of the Geddes Methodist Church serving on its Board of Directors for several years. He also served on the Geddes Farmers Elevator board. After his retirement from the farm, he worked for the City of Geddes in Maintenance for over 15 years, and both he and his wife took care of mowing and the upkeep of the Pleasant Lawn Cemetery in Geddes for several years. His greatest love and hobby was woodworking, which he did right up to this past summer. He made three roll top desks, 20 little red wagons, tables, checkerboards, lamps, children rockers and tables, and numerous bowls. Everything was made out of scrap wood. His greatest joy were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. So appreciative of anyone who stopped to visit with him.

Thankful for sharing in his life is his son, Raymond (Brenda) Hermanek of Lake Andes; daughter, Marcia (David) Honomichl of Wagner; five grandchildren - Wendy (Cory) Martin of Rapid City - Claire and Grace; Wyatt (Tonya)Honomichlof SiouxFalls - Tyler and Emma; Jon (Amanda) Hermanek of Platte- Emersyn, Chance and Hayes; Rachel (Nick) Bowman of Mitchell – Conor, Hayley, twins Jace and Jade; Jared Hermanek and friend, Breanna of Armour; sister-in-law, Bonnie Myers of Rapid City and several nephews and nieces.

Preceding him in death was his wife of 68 yrs; his parents, three sisters and brothers-in-law – Viola and Charles Novonty, Rose and LeRoy Cable, and Evelyn and Harold Steele; parents-in-law, Elmer and Helen Lawyer; sister-in-law and husband, Shirley and Leland Steele; and brother-in-law, Robert Myers.