Herman Johnston (HJ) Dahmer

Herman Johnston (HJ) Dahmer passed December 16, 2025. HJ was born May 17, 1933 to Herman and Mabel (Johnston) Dahmer. He married Helen Harpstrite June 25, 1955 and shared 67 years of marriage until her death in December 2022.

HJ served his country during the Korean War, 1953-1955.Upon his return, HJ and Helen moved to Decatur where he worked at BorgWarner. He moved his family back to the family farm in 1966 where he farmed and worked construction, first for Herman Bearden, then Walter Pape. HJ and his son, Terry, started their own construction company in 1979, where he worked until his retirement. After retirement, he became known for his crafted wooden items, mostly bowls.

Herman was a member of Zion United Church of Christ and served on their building committee. He was on the Davis Prairie Cemetery Board, serving as the President the last few years before retiring.

Survivors include his son, Terry (Connie) Dahmer of Marion; daughter, Mary Ann (Robert) Manning of Taunton, MA; grandchildren, Adam (Samantha) Dahmer of Marion; Trudy Dahmer of St. Louis, MO; Andrew (Katherine) Manning of Fall River, MA; Amanda Manning of Taunton, MA; John (Miranda) Dahmer of Marion; Diana (Lucas) Hansen of Billerica, MA; David Manning of Germany; great grandchildren, Church and Rhett Dahmer, Colson Dahmer, and James Manning; and sister and brother-in-law Marjorie (Billy) Jack.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brothers- and sisters-in-law, Andrew (Lula) (Louise) Harpstrite and Theresa (John) Boester.

Per Herman’s request, there will be a graveside service at Davis Prairie Cemetery on Friday, December 19th at 10:00 am followed by a lunch at Zion UCC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Davis Prairie Cemetery, c/o Gail Blumenstock, 14500 Pittsburg Rd, Marion, IL 62959.