Joan Clara Hermel

JOAN CLARA HERMEL, age 92, of Waterville passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Traditions of Waterville.

Born on September 30, 1931, in Waterville, Joan was the daughter of Ben and Clara (Frodl) Gregor. She graduated from Waterville High School with the class of 1949. On November 21, 1950, she was united in marriage to Milo Hermel at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Waterville. Joan was a homemaker and held various administrative jobs throughout her career. She retired from her working career at LeSueur County.

In her free time, Joan enjoyed many activities including gardening, fishing, playing cards, and gathering with friends. Joan was best known for her master tailoring and quilting skills, she would never let anyone leave her home hungry as she was an excellent cook and baker. Joan was a member of LeSueur County Home Extension, and St. Canice Catholic Church where she was involved in the rosary society and church choir. She will be remembered for her never-ending energy, persistence, and determination in life.

Joan is survived by her children, Jeanie Dutton of Owatonna, Linden (Carol) Hermel of LeSueur, Lori DeMars of Waterville, Rob (Cathy) Hermel of Waterville; seven grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, ten step-great-grandchildren; sister, Charlotte Hager of Waterville; brother, Ronald (Judy) Gregor of Waterville; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Milo Hermel; parents, Ben and Clara Gregor; siblings, Arnold Gregor, Lorraine Downhour; brothers-in-law Marvin Hermel, Norman Hager, and Robert Downhour; sister-in-law Gert Hermel two granddaughters, Jennifer Hermel, Stacy Hermel; and two sons-in-law, Bill Bonser and Ron Dutton.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 5, 2024, at St. Canice Catholic Church in Kilkenny. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at the church. A rosary will begin at 8:30 AM on Friday at St. Canice prior to visitation. Interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Kilkenny.