In the presence of his wife and children, Roland Anthony Hermes concluded a life well lived on March 22, 2024 at the age of 91 years old. Roland was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin on March 4, 1933, son of the late Alex and Emma (Sausen) Hermes. His parents' early passing led to Roland being adopted at the age of 5 by Richard and Clara Peterson.

After graduating high school, Roland attended college at UW-Green Bay and then enlisted in the United States Army where he served during the Korean War and received an honorable discharge. Roland continued his service to his country by becoming a firefighter for the Appleton Fire Department where he worked 30 years until his retirement at the age of 55.

Roland met his wife-to-be, Mary Gonnering, at a dance at the old Nightingale Ballroom in Kaukauna, Wisconsin which featured big bands like Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Lawrence Welk, Guy Lombardo, and more. They wed on June 6, 1956 starting their life together in Appleton, Wisconsin, and later moving to their current home in the country in New London, Wisconsin.

Roland was an avid outdoorsman.  He especially enjoyed hunting, primarily deer.  He spent time hunting in Shiocton in his early years and then hunted the "blueberry marsh" on his land in New London in his later years. He also loved to fish no matter the season: he regularly floated down the Little Wolf River in his Sportyak during the spring, summer, and fall.  During the winter, he went ice fishing almost every day at the Big Eddy on the Little Wolf, bringing his shack there every year.

Roland was a private person but opened up to his family and friends.  He was a regular jokester, always ready with a joke no matter how corny or how many times it was previously shared! He would readily engage in spirited conversation with some of his favorite subjects being hunting, fishing, space exploration, aliens, WWII, and history in general. He also regularly quoted literature, especially Edgar Allan Poe.

Roland's legacy will live on through his wife of 67 years, Mary Hermes; his sons: Bill (Patty) Hermes, Joe (Lynn) Hermes, Rollie (Debbie) Hermes, Dan (Carla) Hermes, and his daughter Deborah Lohr.  He is also survived by his grandchildren: Michelle (Dan) Hermes, April Hermes, Ashly (Damon) Owens, Robb (Molly) Hermes, Michael Hermes, Nick (Amanda) Hermes, Sheridan Hermes and her fiance Logan Rhodes, Jennifer Hermes, Kevin (Katie) Hermes, and Zay Lohr.  He is further survived by 13 great-grandchildren.

Roland was preceded in death by his biological parents, Alex and Emma (Sausen) Hermes; his adoptive parents, Richard and Clara Peterson; his sister, Annie (Carl) Hock; and his brothers: Norb (Barbara) Hermes, Vernon Hermes, Joseph Hermes, Merlin (Darlene) Peterson, and Bob (Jean) Hermes.

Staying true to Roland's wishes, a private service will be held to honor his life.

Roland's family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the caregivers and staff at Bethany Home in Waupaca, WI. Thank you for your care and compassion.