Lois Ileen Hermes

Lois I. Hermes, 81, of Breckenridge, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at St. Catherine’s Living Center in Wahpeton, North Dakota, under their compassionate care and with CHI Hospice.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, at 11am at Joseph Vertin & Sons Funeral Home in Breckenridge, Minnesota, with visitation one hour prior to the service. 

Lois Ileen Johnson was born on December 27, 1944, to Earl and Lillian “Hazel” Johnson at St. Francis Hospital in Breckenridge, Minnesota. She was raised on a farm south of Doran and attended Doran School through the eighth grade. She continued her education at Breckenridge High School, where she built lifelong friendships and treasured memories, graduating with the Class of 1962.

Following high school, Lois worked at J.C. Penney before beginning a long and fulfilling career in food service at North Dakota State College of Science, where she dedicated 30½ years until her retirement.

In 1986, after her marriage, Lois moved from Wahpeton to Breckenridge. She shared many happy years with her companion, Richard “Dick” Gutzmer, until his passing in 2016. In later years, she rekindled a special friendship with a former classmate, Gary Boutiette.

Lois found great joy in gardening, spending time at the lake, and collecting owl figurines. She was a gifted and creative woman who enjoyed crafting, especially Norwegian Hardanger embroidery. Lois took great pride in her work and generously shared her handmade ornaments and creations with family and friends.

She is survived by her two brothers: Lynn (Bonnie) Johnson of Moorhead, Minnesota, and Douglas (Donna) Johnson of Caledonia, Wisconsin; three nieces: Teresa (Todd) Murlin, Stacy (Jason) Gehrke, and Erin Smith; one nephew, Chris Johnson; as well as several great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to CHI Hospice or Stiklestad Cemetery, Doran, Minnesota.