Dale E. Hermann's Obituary
Dale E. "Gramps" Hermann, 86, of New Haven, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Born in Fort Wayne, he was the son of the late Alvin and Esther (Bohnke) Hermann. He was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church, New Haven, and especially enjoyed singing & socializing with his fellow choir members. Dale lived his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ with a servant's heart. He was an avid fisherman - it was often said that fish trembled at the mention of his name. A sports enthusiast especially in supporting his children & grandchildren vocally from the stands. He loved playing and winning in euchre, grilling his famous steaks and bargain hunting. He tirelessly tended his large garden then shared his famous coveted sweetcorn & tomatoes with family & friends. Dale raised 10,000 chickens instilling life lessons and creating everlasting family memories. In 2001, after 40yrs of working every stitch of OT offered, he retired with highest seniority from BF Goodrich humorously earning the nickname #1. A proud family man known for his one-line witty jokes, being a husband, father, and grandfather were his biggest loves in life. Dale will be greatly missed but truly lived a Wonderful Life.
He is survived by children, Chadd Hermann, Conn (Connie) Hermann, Curt (Lylian) Hermann, and Kristen (Ray) Mendenhall; siblings, Doris (Fred) Wiedemann and Fritz (Inge) Hermann; grandchildren, Andrew (Laila), Lyndsey (Matt) Stein, Megan, Kendall, Amanda (Eric) Chang, Alexandra (Jake) Chudy, Isabelle, and Abygail Hermann. Jake, Luke (Kory), Kate (Kevin Cuatepotzo), and Mitchell Mendenhall; and great grandchildren, Ella, Adylin, Donatello, Michaelangelo, Leia, and Hazel. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Joan Hermann; brother, Kenneth Hermann; and daughter-in-law, Heather Hermann.
Funeral service is 10:30 am Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 800 Green St., New Haven with visitation one hour prior. Visitation is also 4 to 8 pm Friday, January 30, 2026, at Harper's Community Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E., New Haven. Please join us for the celebration of Dale's life luncheon immediately following the funeral service at Emmanuel Church. Burial in St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Preferred memorials Central Lutheran School or Alzheimer's Association. For online condolences please visit https://www.harperfuneralhome.com. The funeral will be live streamed at https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/dale-hermann.
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