Martin Hermeling Obituary (1953 - 2020)

Martin W. Hermeling departed his earthly life on Saturday April 25, 2020 at 8:54 A.M. After a short fight with mesothelioma. Martin was the first-born child to Gustav M. Hermeling and Doris A. (Christen) on October 18, 1953. He also was the first-born grandson to Walter & Clara (Brink) Hermeling. Martin graduated from Winnebago High School in 1973 in which he started working at Ipsen Ceramics in Pecatonica, IL the following month. He retired in April 2006. Martin was employed for 32 1/2 years at Ipsen's along with lifetime farming, not only for himself, but with several local farmers. Martin spent his adult life taking care of his parents, until their passing. Martin was very active with the Burritt Grange, and even helped at the Trask Bridge picnics. He was also a 4-H member, and enjoyed antique tractors and belonged to the Stephenson County two cylinder club. Martin was active in St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rockford, IL. Martin also enjoyed woodworking, and telling jokes to the nurses during his hospital stays Martin was officially diagnosed with mesothelioma on February 28, 2020, in which he was informed he had 6 months to a year to live. Martin's joy was his nephew and niece. He loved helping Daniel do custom hay baling and farm work. Martin also enjoyed spending time with his former teacher, Mike Johnson, in which Martin helped on his farm after Martin's retirement. Every year for several years Martin could be found at the antique tractor display at the Winnebago County Fair Martin is survived by his caretaker and sister Sandy (Phil) Kramer Rockford, IL, his brother and father of his nephew and niece Terry (Martha) Hermeling of Belvidere, IL. His nephew Daniel Hermeling of Rockford, IL and niece Stacie (Keith) Hughes of Roscoe, IL. Martin was predeceased by his parents Gustav and Doris, brother in law Russell H. Steele II, along with his grandparents. Memorial ceremony will be held at a later date. Final resting place to be North Burritt Cemetery Memorials can be mailed in his name to: Martin Hermeling POB 165 Durand, IL 61024 The family would like to thank Dr. Strutzenburg and staff of Mercy Health Winnebago, IL, Serenity Hospice in Oregon, IL especially his nurse Beth, and CNA Deanna, Pastors Frank Ciprys, and Jon Fisk of St. Paul Lutheran Church Kilburn Ave. Rockford, IL Who assisted the family during Martin's aggressive fight with mesothelioma. Along with everyone who made his 66.5 birthday, drive thru birthday party on April 18, 2020 that was a success in which he talked about every day until his passing.