Antone “Tony” Herman, 85, St. Peter, Kansas, passed away Monday, February 13, 2023, at the Graham County Hospital, Hill City. He was born July 15, 1937, in St. Peter, Kansas to Dale and Cecelia (Riedel) Herman. He grew up on the family farm with his two brothers and four sisters. When
Tony went to grade school in St. Peter, he and his sister Ann spent their weekdays in town with their Grandma Herman. The weekends at home on the farm were this farm boy’s favorite days, and summers were the best. The Kansas dirt was in his blood even at a young age. Tony attended Morland High School graduating in the Class of 1955. Ten years later, May 29, 1965, Tony married the love of his life Sarah Brungardt who he had known since she was a classmate of his sister Alfreda. Tony paid no attention to her then, but she definitely had her eyes on him! The wedding was held in St. Anthony Church and in true St. Peter Community fashion was celebrated with a daylong gathering of family, friends, dancing, eating and maybe a celebratory drink or two. Tony and Sarah were blessed with the arrival of four beautiful children: Melissa, Anthony, Paul and Christina.
However, following graduation, Tony worked for his brother Ed in the oil business. He eventually became a District Superintendent for Hallador Petroleum, but Tony’s real passion was farming. He took over the family farm in 1965 when his father was no longer capable and became a full-time farmer and rancher. Of course, on the tractor and combine were his favorite places to be. When help was needed, especially during wheat harvest, he had his family members. His two brothers-in-law and later his sons were recruited to help with his farming endeavors, and let us not forget who did all the meals for those crews!
Through the years Tony spent his spare time pursuing many hobbies. Carpentry (making wooden crosses for his grandchildren and plant/patio tables for Sarah and his children), welding, and building model cars, tractors, and trucks. And, of course, trips to casinos! He was an avid collector of John Deere items, John Wayne memorabilia, belt buckles, cigarette lighters, and replicas and pictures of windmills.
Tony’s faith in God was extremely strong. He was an active member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in St. Peter, a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight. Following the closing of St. Anthony’s, Sarah and he became members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hill City. Tony also served his community and surrounding area as a volunteer fireman for 25 years.
Tony loved Sarah dearly. They went dancing frequently. The couple rarely missed being on the dance floor for a lively polka or romantic waltz. His four children were very important to him. Tony loved attending all their school events. When he couldn’t make it to their games, he called to check on how they were doing. One occasion, when Melissa was playing basketball in Jennings, the Jennings principal found Sarah to tell her she had an emergency phone call. It was Tony calling to see how Melissa’s game went! Their family took vacations, which always depended on the timing of harvest. After the children were grown and out of the house, Tony was known to call them on Sundays just to play polkas for them. After Tony retired one of his favorite things to do (with a beer in hand) was just sitting on the swing with Sarah next to him.
Tony’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were especially adored by him. Tony and Sarah really enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren taking them to such places as the Sternberg Museum, Colorado Springs and Rolling Hills zoos, and the salt mine in Hutchinson. Be assured they will never forget Papa’s favorite sayings to them: “Woohoo!”, ”Good stuff Maynard”, “Put your shoes on”, “Bookster who he”, and “Ish Ka Bibel”. That last one is a German oldie but goodie, that no one really knows the exact meaning!
Tony was preceded in death by his parents Dale and Cecelia Herman; brothers Ed and Killian Herman; sisters: Hubertina Rossini, Bernita Rempe-Kayser, and Ann Marie Clark.
Left to carry on Tony’s legacy of faith and the love for the land are: his wife Sarah, of the home; sons: Anthony (Tracey) Herman, Wakeeney and Paul Herman, Wichita; daughters: Melissa (Cayland) Portenier, Hays and Christina (Mitch) Emery, Sedalia, Missouri; sister, Alfreda Myers, Hays; grandchildren: Garrett Portenier, Hays, Justin (Tiffany) Portenier, Palmyra, Nebraska, Jared Portenier, Gering, Nebraska, Kendra (Jason) Rohr, Dodge City, Brandi (Ross) Bugbee, Manhattan, Whitney (Brad) Heimerman, Conway Springs, Olivia Herman, Lawrence, Mason Herman, Hill City, Hollie Herman, Wichita, Macy Herman, Wichita, Sophie Herman, Wichita, Aaron Emery, Manhattan and Seth Emery, Versailles, Missouri; 11 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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