Keith Russell Hermanson joined his father and our Father in heaven on Friday, July 19, 2019 passing quietly into the night in his sleep at the age of 53. He loved the Lord, and was loved by many, always remembered for his charming personality and goofy humor.

 

Born on July 11, 1966 to Thomas and Vera (Lein) Hermanson in St. James, Minnesota, Keith was forever known as the “baby” of the family. He took the role quite seriously, constantly milking his way out of just about any stern look from his mother. Always a daredevil, he regularly kept everyone on their toes with his wild stunts. He was no stranger to the emergency room, if he could break it, catch it, or get stung by it… he would.

 

Moving to Jamestown, North Dakota at the age of 13, Keith made his grand debut as class troublemaker and went on to graduate from Jamestown High School with the class of 1984. He thoroughly enjoyed the sport of wrestling and even made it to the state championship match his senior year. Outside of wrestling, he enjoyed hunting with his dad, working on cars, and of course his beloved Minnesota Vikings and NASCAR racing.

 

Following high school, Keith joined the United States Navy in 1985 giving four years of service to his country of which he was very proud. Based in Long Beach, California, Keith made unforgettable friends and memories and always held a special place in his heart for that period of his life.

 

Keith married Lynn Peterson on June 17, 1989 and it was from this union Keith gained his most precious gifts, his two girls. Lara, born in 1991, was calm and charismatic with Erika following soon after in 1997 with an abundance of energy. His two daughters were his pride and joy, and he found loving satisfaction in embarrassing them whenever possible. This included several terrible dad jokes and numerous occasions of putting them on the spot to sing in any setting for whatever audience was present.

 

Keith was always happiest blasting classic rock music while working on his latest project. Whether it was his bomber, stock, or mod racecar, he was sure to have the coolest logo of all with his unforgettable Spidy No. 11. During his racing career he won many trophies, most notably the Street Stock Tour on a scorching night in Lisbon, North Dakota in which he held his trophy hand in hand with his dad.

 

He worked most of his life in industrial equipment sales, with the ability to sell just about anything to anyone. After having lived in Jamestown for over 20 years, he decided to move to Bismarck, North Dakota in 2011 where he met Tori Rittenbach. From there the two moved to Denver, Colorado in 2015 where he enjoyed nothing more than grilling on his rooftop under the Colorado sky or tinkering with his latest toy, a 1967 Chevelle.

Whether you had met him in the Navy, on the speedway, on business, or even in passing during a game of pool or darts, he was always quite the charmer with an unforgettable blue-eyed, lopsided grin. No matter where Keith went, he always found a way to make lifelong friendships and extend a helping hand.

 

He is survived by his daughters, Lara and Erika Hermanson, mother, Vera Hermanson, sisters, Colleen (Mark) Nelson and Vicky (Bryan) Andres, brother, Kevin (Michelle) Hermanson, aunts and uncles, Everett and Alice Hermanson, Dale and Sonja Norman, Kermit and Wanda Hermanson, Leona Weber, Rudell Isaacs, Vernon and Connie Lein, nieces and nephews, Terra (Grant) Bauste, Travis (Kristen) Nelson, Nathan (Marissa) Hermanson, Lindsay Hermanson, Jayme (Lisa) Andres, Brady Andres, Kaitlyn Andres, and Kyle Andres.

 

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Hermanson, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

 

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 27th at 11 a.m. at House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Bismarck, North Dakota.