ABERDEEN — Herman J. Eggena, 71, of Aberdeen, formerly of Watertown, passed away   Tuesday, August 15, 2017, of natural causes at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.
The memorial service will be 10 a.m., Friday, August 25, at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home in Aberdeen with Pastor Sam Ellyson officiating.
Herman Joehan Eggena was born October 1, 1945, in Huron to Joehan “Joe” and Elvira (Oldfield) Eggena. Early in life, he attended school in the Huron area. When he was older, Herman’s parents began to winter in Harlingen, Texas, where he graduated from high school.  His mother became ill and passed away when he was a young man, and to honor her wishes, he attended Huron College.
While attending college, Herman met and was later united in marriage to Mary Jo Stafford. They made their home in Huron. Early in their marriage, the couple operated a retail store together.  They also participated in the Huron Citizen Band Radio Club and the Huron Community Theater.
Herman had a strong work ethic, and was very enterprising.  After the retail store, he pursued a career in sales and delivery for a time. Later, when an opportunity opened at the Metz Baking Company, Herman began a career which lasted 25 years. In 1982, Herman and family moved with the company to Watertown.  During this time, he worked various additional jobs to help provide for his family. Throughout his life, Herman found additional work which allowed his children to help work alongside him and learn from his example. In the mid 90s, Herman retired from Metz (Old Home) Bakery and later went to work for Jenkins Living Center in Watertown where he worked for 13 years.
Herman was a hard worker, but liked to joke around and have fun. As a young father, he enjoyed camping vacations with his family. And later in life, he enjoyed traveling with his wife Mary Jo, including trips to Canada, Louisiana, and a trip up the Pacific Coast Highway.
Though work took up much of his time, Herman loved when he was able to be with his family. Recently, Herman moved to Aberdeen to be close to his children and grandchildren.
Grateful for having shared Herman’s life are his children, Sherry (James) Rosheim of Superior, Mont., Ray Eggena of Aberdeen, Joel (Melissa) Eggena of  Aberdeen, and John (Cheryl) Eggena of Loves Park, Ill.; and seven grandchildren, Steven, Theresa, Esperanza, Winter, Aysia, Sakura and William.
Preceding Herman in death are his wife, Mary Jo Eggena; parents, Joe and Elvira Eggena; and one son, Timothy Eggena.
Arrangements by Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 South Main Street in Aberdeen.
Visit www.spitzerfuneralhome.com
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