Christopher J. Hermsen

JANESVILLE - Christopher John Hermsen, age 46, of Janesville and previously of Platteville, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at UW Madison Hospital following a brief illness surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 2, 1977, in Dubuque, Iowa to Edward J. and Susan K. (Lowell) Hermsen. Chris attended Holy Ghost Catholic school in Dickeyville and graduated from Platteville High School in 1996. After high school Chris attended UW Platteville. In 2001 he joined the U.S. Navy as a SEAL recruit. During his two deployments in the Middle East he was active in search and rescue. He was honorably discharged from his military service in 2006. After his return from the military, he graduated from UW Whitewater. Chris married his sweetheart Claire L. Schreiner on September 26, 2015, at the Dorothy Carnes Park in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. They met while bartending and quickly fell in love, dated for several years and were engaged in San Diego, California. They moved to Janesville and lived on the river, one of Chris’ lifelong dreams. Chris was Claire’s protector and hero, and he was looked up to by many. Chris spent 12 years as a basement specialist for Badger Basement Systems in Ft. Atkinson. He loved having the opportunity to help people solve all of their basement and foundation problems. He prided himself on always giving the most honest solution to his customers.

Chris had a charismatic personality that drew everyone in. He was friendly and outgoing, and always willing to lend a helping hand to whomever needed one. His sense of humor and laughter brought joy to everyone around him. Chris was an avid outdoorsman and loved being on the water — whether boating, fishing, or duck hunting. He greatly enjoyed his yearly hunting and fishing trips and getting out on the golf course with his best buds as much as possible. Chris shared his family’s love of golfing with Claire, and they enjoyed many beautiful mornings on the greens together. Jimmy Buffett was a favorite and long tradition with Chris and his friends, another adventure he shared with Claire. He loved his family and friends immensely, as well as his country, and will be missed tremendously by all who knew him.

Chris is survived by his wife Claire, of Janesville; his parents Ed and Susan of Lancaster; his mother-in-law Cindy Schreiner of Winneconne; father-in-law Dan Schreiner of Granton; brothers: Robert (April) Hermsen of Cuba City and John (Nicole) Hermsen of East Dubuque, Illinois; and brothers-in-law: Cory (Louise) Schreiner of Red Granite; Dr. Luke Schreiner of Menominee, Michigan and Greg Schreiner of Neillsville. Chris is also survived by nieces: Ashlyn Hermsen, Elle Hermsen and Onycha Schreiner; nephews: Isaac Hermsen, Emmett Hermsen and Micaiah Schreiner; uncles: Mike Hermsen and Pat Hermsen; aunt Patricia Hermsen; several cousins plus many uncles, aunts and cousins on the Schreiner/Schoenenberger side.

Chris was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Robert and Helen (Graney) Lowell; paternal grandparents Alfred and Bette (Cull) Hermsen; and aunts Mary (Sullivan) Hermsen and MaryJo (Cybella) Hermsen. He was dearly loved by Claire’s grandmothers, Clara Schoenenberger and Juanita Schreiner before their passing, as well as his beloved dogs Soco and Bessie.

Funeral services with military honors will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. Noon with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory, 1234 S. Madison Street  in Lancaster.  Family and friends may call on Saturday January 20, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.  A private family burial will be held at a later date.  Those attending services are welcome to a luncheon following the funeral service at the funeral home.

The entire Hermsen family would like to extend their greatest gratitude to the doctors, nurses and hospital staff of the UW/VA Hospitals for the exceptional care and kindness that was shown to Chris, no effort was spared, and we are truly grateful.