Paul J. "PJ" Hermann (1923-2015)
HERMANN, JUSKIEWICZ, VEACH, OSBORN, SHOAFF
Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 6/27/2015 at 10:33:02
Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.
Obituary for Paul J. Hermann
Paul “PJ” Hermann died May 29, 2015, at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames.
Paul was born September 30, 1923, in Sheldahl, Iowa, the oldest of John and Ellen Hermann’s four boys. He grew up on a farm near Sheldahl. One of Paul’s most “life turning” events took place at the at the 4th of July celebration in 1932 when he was able to ride in an open cockpit plane with a barnstormer, cementing his interest in aeronautics and his resolve to fly again. He did finally earn his pilot’s license at age 51 and was an active member of the Ames Airmen.
Paul graduated from Sheldahl High School, and went on to Iowa State College to study engineering. His studies were interrupted by WWII work as a radio technician in the Philippines while serving in the Navy. Returning to Iowa State, Paul graduated with a degree in aeronautical engineering in 1947, then taught in the engineering department while earning an MS degree in 1951.
Paul worked for the Goodyear Aircraft Corporation in Akron, Ohio, before returning to Iowa State University to teach and continue his studies. He taught aerospace engineering for the next 33 years, helping to take the department from slide rules to computers, writing the department newsletter, and finally writing a history of the aerospace department, “One Person’s Story”.
Frances Juskiewicz and Paul were married in September of 1951 and raised three daughters in their 43 years of marriage. His interest in family led him to become the family genealogist, which included trips to Switzerland and Norway to meet relatives there.
Family tradition was important to Paul. Sunday dinners with his children and grandchildren were held at his house for years. He and his brothers also kept up the now 80-year tradition of family gathering at Iowana Beach in northern Minnesota. The tradition is now into its 5th generation and has included an annual steak fry in honor of his father.
Paul pitched on softball teams into his 70’s, bowled until in his 80’s, and played bridge in a group for over 50 years. He also served as the master of ceremonies for 4th of July celebrations in Sheldahl.
Retiring from Iowa State University in 1993, Paul returned to ISU’s campus last year to receive two prestigious honors. In addition to throwing him his 90th birthday party, the Aerospace Department added Paul to their ‘Wall of Fame’ in Howe Hall, placing a plaque that describes the “unparalleled learning environment” he created in both curriculum and student relationships. He also received the Faculty-Staff Inspiration Award from the ISU Alumni Association. Paul has left a legacy that will continue to influence those who knew him. For an undergraduate who described his early studies as those of “blazing mediocrity,” his legacy could now be described by a favorite word of his, “Remarkable.”
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Frances, and his brother and sister-in-law, John and Harriet Hermann. He is survived by his daughters, Paula Hermann, Laura Veach (Cary), and Karla Hermann (Dave Richardson), four granddaughters, Brianne Osborn (Brandon), Audey Veach (Brian Lewis), Emily Veach (Jon Marshall), and Kelsey Veach Shoaff (Justin), five great- grandchildren, and his brothers Robert Hermann (Darlene) and Jim Hermann (Jean).
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Aerospace Engineering Excellence Fund through the ISU Foundation, the Slater Historical Association, or the Sheldahl Cemetery Association.
Funeral Service
JUN 6. 11:00 AM
Salem United Church of Christ
320 NE 141st Avenue
Alleman, IA, US, 50007Graveside Service
JUN 6. 11:45 AM
Sheldahl Cemetery
5500 NW 158th Avenue
Slater, IA, US, 50244
http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
Story Obituaries maintained by Mark Christian.
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