Florence L. Hermsen

ALBERT, BELLENDIER, BREITSPRECHER, CLARK, ERGER, FISCHELS, HERMSEN, MCCALLEY, NAYLOR, OLSON, ROBERTSON, ROMICK, TOUZINSKY

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 6/8/2026 at 22:23:16

Florence L. Hermsen, 96, of Independence, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

Florence was born on March 27, 1930, in Brandon, Iowa, the daughter of Henry G. and Edna Mae (Albert) Naylor. She grew up in Buchanan County and helped care for her ten siblings, learning early the values of responsibility, hard work, and devotion to family. She graduated from Independence High School in 1947.

On June 26, 1948, Florence married the love of her life, Kenneth A. Hermsen, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence. The couple lived in Waterloo for several years before returning to Independence in the mid-1950s, where they established their home and raised their family.

Florence dedicated herself to being a loving wife and mother. As a stay-at-home mom for many years, she created a warm and welcoming home and was always there for her children, offering guidance, support, and unconditional love. She later worked at Davis Paint and then at Hess Pharmacy in Independence, where she was employed for twenty years.

Known for her strength, grace, intellect, and calm nature, Florence was the heart of her family. She possessed a wonderful sense of humor and a quiet wisdom that helped guide those around her. She took pride in her home and garden, was a prolific quilter, and enjoyed teaching her children practical skills and life lessons. Above all, she cherished her family. She especially loved babies and young children and found great joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Florence is survived by her children, Larry Hermsen of Portland, Oregon, Judie (Dennis Domsic) Hermsen of Iowa City, Peg (Garry) Erger of Independence, and Joanne (Tracy) Robertson of Independence; five grandchildren, Lauren (Tom Lindsey) Olson, Michael (Tracey) Erger, Bryan (Jill) Erger, Molly (Jake) Breitsprecher, and Matthew (Kelsey Barnett-Fischels) Fischels; seven great-grandchildren, Max, Livee, Daniel, Elsie, Jett, Dylan, and Calvin; one sister, Evelyn McCalley of Independence; two brothers, Don Naylor of Oxford Junction, IA and Rich (Linda) Naylor of Papillion, NE; a sister-in-law, Jean Clark Naylor, a brother-in-law, Jeff Touzinsky, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Edna Mae Naylor; her husband, Kenneth Hermsen; two sisters, Henrietta Bellendier, Lorraine Romick, and; five brothers, Lyle Naylor, Ivan Naylor, Francis Naylor, Ronald Naylor, and Kenneth Naylor, and a son-in-law, Dale Fischels.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence. A Parish Vigil Service will be held at 7 PM on Monday.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery.