Stratton James Hermann

Stratton James Hermann, (1926-2019), beloved husband, father and grandfather and friend, peacefully passed away just after midnight on August 12th, at age 93 after a battle with cancer. He was a WWII veteran, wounded in the Battle of the Bulge in Germany. His wounds caused him permanent disabilities that slowed him down but, didn't stop him from accomplishing much with his life!  He built 100's of homes and 17 subdivisions, including Stellar Airpark, the first residential fly-in community in the world. He loved to fly and build things! He was a private pilot, with 4,000 hours of flying time. Flying was a spiritual experience for him. He said: “Flying gives me a different perspective of the Earth. The airplane is an extension of yourself. You have a feeling of freedom, like you own the sky—free like a bird.” He loved the solitude and stillness of being separate from the world. He wrote a book about his experience in the war and his life. His grandparents were German immigrants who settled in Kansas and became wheat farmers. His father served in WWI and the family endured the great depression. Because of their thrift and preparation, they were not only able to survive but were able to assist many a passerby during those hard times.  Stratton was barely 18 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army under General George Patton's 3rdArmy, and spent grueling months in bitter-cold (-20° F) Germany, where he received life-threatening wounds. He spent a year in hospitals in England, Europe and then, Brigham City, Utah. He was awarded the Purple Heart. But Stratton's real legacy was in his way of being: hard-working, a visionary/creative genius, grateful, humble, loving, serving, happy and peaceful in nature. He is remembered by many for his patience and kindness. He loved the Lord and lived a Christ-like life. Stratton joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at age 32, and served 2 full-time missions later in life. He was ordained a Seventy by Ezra Taft Benson, who was an Apostle of the Lord. He and his wife, Linda, were sealed for time and eternity on October 9, 1965 (54 years ago) in the Cardston, Alberta Temple, and raised a beautiful family of 5 boys and 2 girls.