Pastor Walter E. Hermanns

Pastor Walter Hermanns RACINE-Pastor Walter Hermanns, 54, passed away with his family by his side on December 12, 2013. He stared MS in the face and won-- with bravery, grace, and dignity. Walter was born in Mineola, New York on May 19, 1959, the son of the late Edward and Claire (nee: Vandewater) Hermanns. He graduated from Wantagh High School in 1977 and furthered his education with a degree in biology from Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA in 1982. Walter then obtained his Masters of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA in 1987. He was called to Holy Communion Lutheran Church in Racine, WI and served the congregation there for 21 years including two years as Pastor Emeritus. Walter also served at Emmaus Lutheran Church and Lincoln Lutheran of Racine. He was involved in many community organizations and outreach programs including BONK!, YMCA, Gentle Worship, Halo, and All Nation’s Church. Walter is survived by his wife of 30 years Lynn Helmke; children, Shawn (Kayla) Hermanns, Laura Hermanns; brother, Peter (Barbara) Hermanns; sisters, Nancy (Charles) Clancy, Janet (Wayne) Smith and Sally (Richard) Hatt. Walter is also survived by brothers-in-law, Randy Helmke, Mark (Sherri) Helmke; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rod and Lorraine Helmke. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, friends, and a loving congregation at Holy Communion. Funeral services honoring and celebrating Pastor Walter’s life will be held at Holy Communion Lutheran Church on December 18, 2013 at 11 a.m. with Bishop Jeff Barrow, Rev. Mark Doidge, Rev. Bill Grimbol, Rev. Mary Janz and Rev. Kris Capel officiating. Visitation will be held at Sturino Funeral Home on Tuesday from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. and will continue at church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. All Clergy are invited to vest in white and process during the service. In keeping with Walter’s wishes, please omit flowers. Those wishing to remember Pastor Walter in a special way may direct memorials to Holy Communion Lutheran Church or Emmaus Lutheran Church Outreach Program.Walter’s family would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to all of his friends, caregivers and church family for their love, care and devotion over the years.

Tributes

Pastor Walter E. Hermanns

May 19, 1959 - December 12, 2013