Obituary of James Herman

Live Stream click here: : https://server.attend.live/static/event/qxV80

Herman James

James Herman, age 76, of Menno, passed away Monday May 19, 2025, at the Menno-Olivet Care Center in Menno. Memorial service will be 10:30 am, Saturday May 24, 2025 (which happens to be his father’s birthday) at the Grace Lutheran Church in Menno with Rev. Susan Fox officiating. Burial will follow at the Menno Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Online condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel of Menno is assisting the family with arrangements.  To view Jim’s live stream service, click here: https://server.attend.live/static/event/qxV80.

James Lee Herman of Menno, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025, at the age of 76. Jim was raised on a farm, where he milked cows, worked in the fields, and gained his appreciation of living in the country. He attended rural grade schools, and graduated from Scotland High School. He went on to earn a BS in math from South Dakota State University and pursued a variety of occupations throughout his life. He was proudest of his skills as a self-taught carpenter and his ability to figure out how to fix almost everything, as evidenced by his vast collection of tools, like his older brother Gary and his dad had.

Jim was known and loved by his family and friends for his caring nature, wit and great sense of humor, unfailing kindness, great memory, and willingness to help others. On the first warm days of spring, he would be out riding his Harley and spent many August weekends at the rally in Sturgis. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends with many summer weekends spent down by the river with his friends or later, helping Lynette in her antique store in Brookings.  He played guitar and joined friends to play in different bands throughout his life.

He is survived by his sister Joanne (the late David) Ziarek of New Berlin, WI, and his sister Judy(Greg Houda)Herman of Moran, WY, his special friend of 22 years Lynette (Tiede) Kerlin of Bruce, SD, nieces Michelle Herman, Lisa (Larry) Klaudt, Kristi (Jason) Sayler, Janae Herman, and nephew Travis Herman as well as great nieces Jenna and Morgan Sayler, and great nephews Logan Klaudt, Nick and Jack Herman, his honorary “brother” Fred Bender of Yankton and loving friends Darrell and Darinda Mehlhaf of Menno. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Nettie Herman, his brother Gary Herman and sister Patty Herman.  Jim was a very special person and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Menno-Olivet Care Center, the staff at the Freeman clinic, and the oncology staff of Dr. Vaca and the many Avera clinics where he was treated over the last 5 years.