Dave Hermansen

David Owen Hermansen passed away January 16, 2024 in Orem, Utah, and returned to his Heavenly Father, after battling a lengthy illness. He was 68. He held a special place in the hearts of both family and friends. He will be dearly missed. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of whom have loved David throughout his life and deeply appreciate the out-pouring of love and support during this difficult time as we mourn not only our loss, but the loss of his vibrant spirit in your lives as well.

Dave was many things to many people. He was a loving companion to his sweetheart Wendy. He was a cherished son, a very beloved older brother, a father, grandfather, and great grandfather that left far too soon. David loved and cared about his kids. He often struggled to adequately show his love and support, but whenever he spoke about his children, he would convey how proud of them he was and how much he loved them. We want them all to know how deep his love for them was and still is.

Dave was also the fun, adventurous, and full of mischief cousin that has provided countless cherished memories. He along with his brothers and cousins had many great adventures when they would all get together. The summers spent in Elsinore were a huge part of their upbringing and created a bond with all the cousins which has lasted his and their lifetimes. Their adventures together were epic. Dave was loved and adored by all his cousins.

He is the uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. He told the very best, most exciting stories of the past to them. They could listen to him talk and laugh for hours. He was also a coworker and friend to countless people that he met in his life. A stranger was a friend Dave had just not met yet.

His unique laugh that he shared freely and often, along with his love of life will forever hold a special place in each of our hearts. We will miss him always, but his dry sense of humor, his funny expressions, along with his quick wit will bring us laughter, love and smiles that we will cherish forever. Even during these last few months, we have heard stories from those who cared for him. They would talk about his friendly personality, his caring for others, his engaging laughter and warm smile. He was still that way even though he was not feeling the best. Dave drew people to him and included them in his life. Dave was literally the life of the party no matter where he was. He made any situation fun.

Dave was everyone’s friend. It literally seemed like everyone everywhere knew Dave. Anytime someone would ask our last name and we would answer “Hermansen “, the very next question would be “Do you know Dave?” This became the family’s inside joke.

Dave was a hard worker and worked in many different professions over his lifetime. He worked at Hermies as a fry cook. He worked as a cook and kitchen manager at the family’s Mexican Restaurants Casa Bonita and Los Hermanos. He was a DJ at the Roller-Skating rink. He had his own car touch up business called “Daves Touch”, plus many different jobs along the way. His last job surprised some of us in the family but after seeing him at work we realized he had found a perfect fit. Dave worked with disabled adults. At this job, he seemed to have found his niche. He was firm yet kind. He used his humor and laughter to draw the clients to him. We could tell that he truly cared for them, and they adored him. He respected them and listened to them. They mattered to him. He worked in this profession until physically he could not anymore.

This job also brought someone very special into his life, his sweetheart Wendy. Right away, the family knew that she was special to Dave. Even with all of his fun and sense of humor Dave was still a little rough around the edges, but Wendy knew all he needed was for her to love and support him. She was right. We want to thank Wendy for seeing past the gruff exterior to the real Dave. We want to especially acknowledge how she loved and cared for him through the years but especially the last 2 years as his health declined. She has been both a rock for him when he needed it, along with giving him the care and comfort that only a partner can give. She helped with his daily needs along with loving him unconditionally. For this, we are forever grateful, and we know that Dave is as well.

Dave loved Wendy. Dave loved his family. Dave loved his friends. But most of all Dave loved life. He lived it on his terms. He had many great adventures and experiences but the thing that brought him the most joy was all the connections he made with friends and family. He could talk and visit for hours. He was a great listener that really cared about what you were sharing with him. No matter how serious the subject he would always bring a smile to your face and lighten your burden.

Dave is survived by his sweetheart Wendy; his children: Jason (Alisa), Jennifer, Jeff and Cole (Amanda); he also leaves behind his loving parents Lowell and Juanita; his 3 brothers, Alan (Joy), Chris (Kristine), and Brett (Novella); along with Wendy’s children, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

His youngest son, Justin preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 10:30 A.M. in the Springer Turner Funeral Home Chapel, 260 North 400 West in Richfield, Utah, where friends may call for viewing one hour prior to the services.

Live streaming of the services can be found at: www.springerturner.com under Dave’s obituary about 15 minutes prior to starting time.

Burial will be in the Elsinore Cemetery, 145 East 800 North in Elsinore, under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.

FUNERAL SERVICES LIVESTREAM