DeWayne was born on January 11, 1944, in Montevideo, to Arthur and Lucille (Anderson) Hermanson. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boyd, Minnesota.

DeWayne graduated valedictorian from Boyd High School in 1960 before attending the University of Minnesota, where he studied Mathematics and Agriculture. Following graduation, he joined the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1973. He did his pilot training in Big Spring, TX where he was first in his class to fly solo. Then, because of his high grades he was chosen to become an instructor pilot, training new pilots in San Antonio TX. After that he trained pilots to become instructor pilots in Florida.

He returned to Boyd to farm alongside his dad, Art. Shortly after returning home, he met his future wife, Karen Williamson, at Trailways Café. They were married on March 2, 1974, and raised four daughters on their farm near Boyd, where they spent their entire 50-year marriage. DeWayne and Art continued farming together for much of their lives.

DeWayne enjoyed many pastimes. He played sports in high school and continued playing men's league fastpitch softball well into his 60s. He and Karen were also enthusiastic supporters of the Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks. Music was another lifelong passion, from playing piano and trombone in his younger years to singing in the church choir and the Chord-Ayres.

DeWayne and Karen shared a love of travel. They took their daughters on road trips across the country, enjoyed group bus tours and travelled with the Chord-Ayres and their wives. They also visited their daughter Renae in Europe and Australia. Another favorite pastime was spending time at the lake, especially at their camper at Wildridge Campground on Lobster Lake.

Above all, DeWayne was a loving father and grandfather who cherished his family and the time they spent together. He spent his final days surrounded by his family at United Hospital in St. Paul.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karen; his parents, Arthur and Lucille Hermanson; his parents-in-law, Dayton and Orel Williamson; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol and LeRoy Williamson; and his brother-in-law, DeWayne Williamson.

DeWayne was dearly loved by his family and all who knew him. Mourning his loss are his four daughters and their families: Celyne Hermanson and her son, Chase; Dawn (Brock) Waterbury; Andrea (Nic) Hermanson and their children, Adeline and Marvin; and Renae (Jonathon) Murray and their children, Finn and Cameron. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara (Norm) Hendrickson; sister-in-law, Toni Williamson; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marie and Merril Dieken; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation with DeWayne’s family will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 5-7 PM at the J.H. Lynner Funeral Home in Clarkfield, with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 PM. Visitation will continue on Friday, October 2, at 10 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boyd, followed by the funeral service at 11 AM. Interment with military honors to follow the service in the church cemetery.