Kyle John Hermes

Kyle John Hermes was born on January 9, 1980, and entered eternal glory on Sunday, January 12, 2025. While he looked forward to finishing his race to our heavenly home, he also lived each day as one that “the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). That was a favorite verse he often quoted to his family and friends. 

He was the first child born to John and Mary (Vande Hey) Hermes and was baptized into the Kingdom of God on February 17, 1980, at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church in Appleton, Wisconsin. He continued his religious education at Xavier High School in Appleton, graduating in 1998. He received instruction in the Lutheran faith and was confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Oshkosh, WI on August 11, 2002. On August 31, 2003, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Hannah Schwertfeger, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine, Minnesota. The Lord blessed Kyle and Hannah with three children, Ava, Emma, and Noah. Kyle was a very loving and devoted husband and father who would do anything for his children. He knew and shared with them that the ultimate goal in life was to know there is victory over death, won by his Savior (1 Corinthians 15:55-56) through God’s grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). We look forward to sharing that eternal victory with him when we see him again! 
 
As for Kyle, he was dynamic and curious — a guy who couldn’t (or perhaps refused to be) accurately categorized. His interests and activities were vast and ever changing. If you knew Kyle in 2010, there’s a good chance he’d be on a whole new path in 2020. Seemingly, the only thing that was unwavering about him was his love of Jesus, his family, and close friends. He had a competitive spirit that enabled him to learn and challenge himself — this was evident early on as he beamed with pride after saving the princess in Super Mario Brothers at the age of seven. He was born determined and he wore that trait on his sleeve his entire life. Shortly after the princess was rescued, he shifted focus to basketball and excelled as point guard at Xavier High School. In the summer months he spent most weekends wakeboarding on a small, weedy lake in Wild Rose, WI, with his entire family nearby. The number of sun-soaked days spent on Wilson Lake is unknown, but there’s a VHS tape of a backflip somewhere that can verify the hours paid off. 
 
That was how Kyle operated, he found something he liked and hit the gas. He failed from time to time but he had a steadfast belief that anything could be figured out with enough effort. 

After high school, he attended the University of Oshkosh and met Hannah. It didn't take long to realize God made a perfect match and they were engaged ten months later. The two of them planted their roots in Shakopee, Minnesota which is where Hannah introduced Kyle to the other love of his life — golf. Kyle fell hard and fast for the game and became a par golfer (on a good day). He won numerous rounds at Fox Hills Golf Resort and Rich Valley. His most notable achievement on the course came in 2021 when he won the fabled Hermes Open Golf Tournament, which is a huge deal — ask any Hermes. 

Over the years, Kyle and Hannah’s family grew, and so did his faith. In Minnesota, he and his family of five were members of Mount Olive Lutheran Church; Kyle was a trustee, a leader, an active part of the community, and often spoke of his beliefs with those who knew him. A brother in Christ was an essential part of who Kyle was. 
 
While in Shakopee, Kyle became a finishing carpenter for a local remodeling company and, on brand, jumped into the profession and started his own business. As the owner and operator of Hermes Remodeling, he did a lot of great work, and there are endless stories of nights and weekends spent using his talents and tools to help friends and family members. He was generous with his time and was always eager to help anyone who needed it. Later on, he got into due diligence and started another company doing commercial building assessments and construction progress reports. 
 
The thing Kyle didn’t do well was sit still. He was a work hard/play hard type with varied hobbies and ways to pass time, some of which included: chess, making maple syrup, playing cards,  hunting, doing triathlons, raising chickens, creating iconic dance moves at weddings, camping, woodworking, stoking a fire, wine making, grilling, motorcycles, harmonica, playing with his kids and his nieces and nephews, enjoying time at the family cabin, and being the life of every party. He made the best smoked chicken, morning waffles and popcorn on movie nights. Over the years Kyle found joy in sharing his interests and being with those he loved — and who loved him. When it came to people, the man was an absolute magnet, he would enter a room and the air would change; faces would light up, the drinks tasted better, the mood got brighter. He made friends with people of all ages and was always the one bringing folks together. He was honest, down-to-earth, friendly to those he met, and he loved his life — because he knew it was all a gift. Kyle and his family moved from Shakopee to Appleton in 2022 to be closer to their families. He will be remembered for his bright eyes, willing smile, quick wit, and the love he shared so freely. 
 
Kyle, we can picture you beyond heaven’s gates with Birkenstocks on your feet and a cold drink in your hand — cracking wise with John Prine and sinking 18’ putts on a celestial green. We know you’d be proud of us as we take on new challenges and do our best to build on the example you set. So, here’s to brother Kyle, brother Kyle, brother Kyle — he’s happy, he’s jolly, in heaven by golly. Thank you for being a good son, brother, husband, father, and friend. We love you. We miss you. And we’ll see you on the other side.  

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 

Kyle is survived by his loving wife Hannah; three children: Ava (18), Emma (15), and Noah (12); parents, John and Mary Hermes; siblings: J.J. (Nichole) Hermes, Allison (Eric Forseth) Hermes,  and Taylor (Carley) Hermes; father and mother-in-law, Rev. Mark and Karla Schwertfeger; brother-in-law, Jake Schwertfeger; sister-in-law, Leah (Paul) Voss; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Kyle was preceded in death by his grandparents: Jim and Evelyn Hermes and Frederic and Leone Vande Hey.

Visitation for Kyle will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, N2740 N. French Road, Appleton, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the church from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 4:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred for St. Peter for tuition assistance for the Hermes Family.