Herman Wild

Herman Wild passed away, at the age of 76, surrounded by his loving family on Monday, January 22, 2024, at MercyOne Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa. Herman was strong but gentle, sincere and funny. He had a big heart and showed it often to his family. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 pm Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Law Jones Funeral Home in Hanover with burial to follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11 am to 1 pm, prior to the service at the funeral home. A reception at the VFW Club will follow.

Herman was born on the family farm in Hanover Township, December 5, 1947. He was the son of Hans and Margaret (Barron) Wild, who immigrated to the U.S. from Switzerland and Ireland. Herman was the eleventh of twelve children. He attended Hanover High School with the Class of 1966. At a young age Herman went to work on the railroad. After his father passed away in 1972, Herman began working full-time on the farm. He was proud of his heritage and appreciated the ability to carry it forward.

The day Herman met Deborah (Woessner) Polhill he found a friend, companion, and true love of forty years. Herman and Deb enjoyed their time together, often riding through the countryside to sightsee and enjoy each other’s company. He worked hard on his dairy farm with the help of his brothers, he loved the outdoors and enjoyed working with the land. If he wasn’t busy working, he was visiting with family and friends. Herman especially enjoyed every minute with his fourteen nieces and nephews. He was the fun uncle that had a great sense of humor. Herman loved being a fun and supportive Grandpa to Alyssa. He also enjoyed playing with his loyal canine companions.

Herman will be dearly missed by his life partner, Deborah Polhill and her family; Eric, Colleen, Josh, and Alyssa; two sisters, Alberta Wild of Savanna and Nellie Bainbridge of Hanover; four sisters-in-law, Mary Wild of Elizabeth, Lynne Wild of Stockton, DeeAnna Wild of Hanover and Bev Paisley of Stockton; fourteen nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Herman is preceded in death by both parents; five brothers, Frederick, John, Michael, William, Thomas and Alfred “Pat”; and three sisters, Mary Wild, Margaret Service and Donna Eadie.

“Such an honorable man, we know a party awaits to welcome him home!”