Walter C. Hermundson, age 91 of Durand, died Saturday, February 11, 2017 peacefully in his sleep at home.

Walter was born on May 13, 1925 in Center Creek, rural Nelson. He was the son of Bernard and Susanna (Peterson) Hermundson. Walter attended Cascade School near Nelson. He served honorably for the U.S. Army in Korea and was discharged in 1954. Walter married Delores Black on October 3, 1959 at St. Henry Catholic Church in Eau Galle. As the youngest of 12 children, he learned to work hard at a young age and continued working well into his 70s. Walter farmed in the Urne area until 1978. Following moving to Durand, he worked at Stewart Lumber, Brunkow Hardwoods and Bee Products. 

Walter and Delores greatly enjoyed attending Durand Panther events, taking bus trips, and volunteering, especially helping at the Oakwood Care Center until its closing. He was never short on weather trivia, earning the nickname “Walter the Weatherman.” For optimal health he believed in taking a walk every day and eating a bowl of ice cream every night. Walter, a long-time member of St. Mary’s Parish and the Nelson VFW, had a gentle manner which will be greatly missed.

Walter is survived by his wife of 57 years; Delores, daughters; Sandra (Warren) VanRanst of New Richmond, Karen (Steve) Baumann of Wausau, step grandchildren Adam, Angela, and Aaron, brother-in-law; Wilbur Black of Eau Galle and sister-in-law; Norma Chilson of Plum City, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Paul, Ervin, Everett, and Sidney, Sisters; Mildred (Charles) Isham, Clara (Bob) Owen, Edna (Ted) Brommer, Helen (Reuben) Suhr, Evelyn (Wallace) Johnson, Thelma (Denny) Gilmore, and Ruth Hermundson

There will be quite a mild ruckus in heaven when all of these Norwegian siblings are finally reunited.

Funeral Mass will be 11:30 AM Thursday, February 16, 2017 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Durand with Rev. James Kurzynski officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Nelson VFW Post #6201. Visitation will be held from 10:30 AM until the time of services at the church on Thursday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Crystal Dow March 11, 2017, at 2:18pm

   To Delores and family. ...you have my sympathy. Walter and you were such a cute couple. He'll be sadly missed. Crystal Dow

2. Gary Gadke February 20, 2017, at 7:49am

   Karen: Bobbi & I are sad to learn that you have lost your father. Please accept our sympathy for your loss.

   Gary Gadke

3. Joe and Wanda Traynor February 17, 2017, at 8:05am

   So sorry, Delores to hear of Walters death. Remember the trip to Missouri and enjoyed seeing him at class reunions

4. Debbie (Bien) Bechel February 16, 2017, at 5:42pm

   UFFDA! So sorry Sandy to read of the loss of your Dad. I had to chuckle about the "Norwegian ruckus" and you certainly can't beat a bowl of ice cream! God bless this gentle soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

5. Dick and Marlene Zimmer February 16, 2017, at 1:12pm

   Dear Delores...Just discovered this morning, when I was reading papers for the residents at the Care Center, that Walter had died. So sorry to hear it. Will keep you in our thoughts!!
   Dick and Marlene Zimmer

6. Vicki and Don Asher February 15, 2017, at 2:15pm

   Walt will be missed, thinking of all of you.
   Don and Vicki Asher

7. Dale Hovey February 15, 2017, at 12:56pm

   I knew Walter from all the years he worked at Brunkow Sawmill in Nelson. Walter was fun to work with. He had a great sense of humor. Never had a bad word for anyone, when the rest of us did. The world seems emptier when we lose people like Walter. Rest in peace Walter.

8. Paul and Sue Hoch February 15, 2017, at 11:31am

   We will miss seeing Walter during his walks. Please accept our sympathy for your loss. Walter and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.

9. Joyce and francis reuter February 14, 2017, at 9:53pm

   Our thoughts and prayers are truly with you at this time

10. Dave and Kris Polzer February 14, 2017, at 5:59pm

    Sorry to hear of Walter's passing Delores. I used to enjoy watching you folks decorate your yard for every season and event when my mom was at the Home Place.

    Sincerely,
    Dave and Kris Polzer

11. Brent & Jackie Herbst February 14, 2017, at 5:31pm

    Delores our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

12. Patti Blount & June Baker February 14, 2017, at 12:09pm

    Sympathy to the Hermundson family during this difficult time..especially Delores. Walter was a very nice person to have a conversation.

    Patti & June

13. Lynette & Jim Johnson February 14, 2017, at 11:06am

    So sorry to hear about Walter's passing. Prayers Delores & family and may God give you comfort and peace.

14. Jean Gardner February 13, 2017, at 6:31pm

    Sorry for your loss. May he RIP. Prayers Delores and your family

15. Roger and Melissa Black February 13, 2017, at 6:30pm

    Very sorry too hear about Walt. Please accept our condolences.

16. Mark Brommer February 13, 2017, at 4:04pm

    I worked with walter 12 yrs@ brunkow hardwoods. he would joke around with the other sawmill laborers.

17. MARY NOLL February 13, 2017, at 3:54pm

    I have such fond memories of Walter at the Nursing Home in Durand. He always had time to visit...he will be missed.

18. Judy John Parr February 13, 2017, at 2:50pm

    Sorry to read about your loss. Our heart is with you

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