Dorothy Hermes

Dorothy Jean (Swanson) Hermes, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, was escorted to her mansion in heaven by Jesus and all of God's angels, along with the loved ones who had gone before her.

Dorothy was born on November 16, 1943, at St. Francis Medical Center in Breckenridge, Minnesota, to C.R. and Edith (Klosterman) Swanson. She was the fourth of five children. Dorothy graduated from Fairmount High School in 1962 and went on to attend Interstate Business College in Fargo, North Dakota.

On June 11, 1963, Dorothy married the love of her life, Peter Carl Hermes. They shared 63 wonderful years of marriage (all in a row, in case you were wondering!). Dorothy and Peter were blessed with four children: Paul (Missy) Hermes of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; Janet Karp of Portland, Oregon; Teri Smotherman of Portland, Oregon; Tony Hermes of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota

Their grandchildren were a tremendous blessing in Dorothy's life: Chad and John (Paul and Missy's children); Amber and Brandon (Janet's children); and Paige, Cami, and Grant (Teri and Shawn's children).

Dorothy wore many hats throughout her lifetime. She served as secretary for the Elbow Lake Chamber of Commerce and was a devoted bus driver for special needs students for more than 20 years. She was also one of the founding members who helped create the annual Flekkefest in Elbow Lake. She volunteered with blood drives, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, and Girl Scouts, just to name a few.

Dorothy was an active member of her Catholic church and could often be found helping with potlucks, Vacation Bible School (VBS), Wednesday morning release time, and, of course, singing alto in the church choir.

Some of Dorothy's favorite activities included playing bridge and participating in Busy Bees Homemakers, which she had been part of since 1965. She especially cherished her Bible study group, which met every Thursday beginning in 2015.

Family reunions with cousins on her mother's side of the family were always a special time. She also loved to cruise, which allowed her to see much of the world and create many wonderful memories.

Eleven years ago, Dorothy and Peter received news that changed their lives. From that point on, much of their world revolved around trips to the Cancer Center at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls, visits with specialists, and countless hours of research following Dorothy's diagnosis of aplastic anemia. During one conversation with a specialist, Dorothy asked just how rare her condition really was. Her physician replied, "Two in a million have this disease. You are a RARE BIRD!" What the physician didn't know was that "Rare Bird" was also a nickname given to Dorothy's father, C.R., by a dear friend. Dorothy was honored to share that special title with her father, whom she adored.

Dorothy's faith in Jesus Christ was at the center of her life. She was best known for her love of family and her Lord. Her faith, kindness, humor, and willingness to serve others touched many lives and will continue to live on through the people who loved her. She will be deeply missed.

Dorothy was welcomed into heaven by her parents; her brother, Ron; her sister, Alice; her son-in-law, Shawn; and her brothers-in-law, James and George.

In lieu of flowers, Dorothy requested that, if you are able, you honor her memory by giving the gift of life through blood or platelet donation, or by making a monetary contribution to the American Red Cross or Lake Region Healthcare Cancer Center.

Services for Dorothy will be held on Saturday November 21st, 2026 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls, MN starting at 11:00am with visitation one hour prior. Arrangements made by Olson Funeral & Cremation.