Brent Hermans
May 10, 1967 ~ April 21, 2024
Born in:
Robbinsdale, Minnesota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Funeral Mass:
Prayer Service:
Brent Charles Hermans passed away on April 21 at his home in Fargo. Brent was born on May 10, 1967, to David and Vicki (Brox) Hermans in Robbinsdale, MN. Brent moved to Grand Forks, ND, with his family shortly before entering the sixth grade. After graduating from Red River High School, he attended and graduated from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks in 1990 with a major in Business Management and a minor in Music. After college, Brent was a musician at Holy Family Catholic Church in Grand Forks for several years. In 2001, Brent moved to Grafton, ND, and became the Director of Music and Liturgy, and was also the Director of Religious Education for Preschool through grade six at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where he worked for the next eighteen years. While in Grafton, in addition to playing for many weddings and community events, he played for the ‘Far Off Broadway’ productions at Grafton High School. He also played many concerts, Piano Talk, during the summers at St. John’s, which were well attended by people from the surrounding communities.
In 2019, Brent accepted a position as Liturgy and Music Coordinator & Youth Ministry Coordinator at Nativity Catholic Church in Fargo, ND, where he had been working since then. He continued his summer concerts, Sweet Serenade, at Nativity.
Brent was a member of the National Pastoral Musicians and local Knights of Columbus. He has composed numerous compositions and has recorded a number of albums.
Brent is survived by his parents in Grand Forks, ND; his sister, Valerie (Alex) Heigaard in Wellington, CO; his aunt and uncle, Al and Jana Dittmer; other aunts, uncles, cousins and godchildren; his very dear friend, Rose Marie Kerner; and his beloved tuxedo cat, Moses Deuteronomy.
Services
Visitation - Friday: April 26, 2024 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo
1825 S 11th St.
Fargo , North Dakota 58103
(701) 232-2414
https://www.nativitycatholicchurch.net/
Prayer Service - Friday: April 26, 2024 7:00 pm
Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo
1825 S 11th St.
Fargo , North Dakota 58103
(701) 232-2414
https://www.nativitycatholicchurch.net/
Visitation - Saturday: April 27, 2024 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo
1825 S 11th St.
Fargo , North Dakota 58103
(701) 232-2414
https://www.nativitycatholicchurch.net/
Funeral Mass - Saturday: April 27, 2024 10:30 am
Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo
1825 S 11th St.
Fargo , North Dakota 58103
(701) 232-2414
https://www.nativitycatholicchurch.net/
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This comes as an extreme shock! When he moved here I did not know that he lived in Grafton for 18 years working at St. John’s helping out with high school musicals and living in Rose Kerner’s basement ! We both said to each other man this is a small world and without Brent in it makes it that much smaller by leaps and bounds 🥲🌷🎵🎹
Former Grafton band Director 1982 to 1994 , John Pederson
Brent could make the huge steel rafters of Nativity shake with joy with his piano renditions! We will miss Brent.
Went to college with Brent. Such an enthusiastic, kind, genuine man.
Our deepest sympathies to Brent’s family and the large church family he acquired through his generous sharing of beautiful music. I am still in shock at the loss of such a wonderful and special soul. I knew from the moment I meant Brent that he was kind and gentle man, a devoted follower of Christ and one in a million. His talents were truly marvelous. We will miss you forever, Heaven has gained one amazing angel.
David
Brent was an extraordinary human and musician – I will never forget the magical moments in my life that he created by the joy he put into those piano keys! I literally knew I was in the presence of something wonderful, for when Brent was playing, everyone around him couldn’t help but believe in miracles. Because he was one. My deepest condolences to Brent’s family – please know how appreciated he was and always will be. He will be remembered always. Gone far too soon … I know he is playing for that angel choir with reckless abandon.
We are saddened by the sudden death of Brent. He brought joy to Nativity with his music and personality. He will be truly missed!
My prayers for all of you — what a surprise. Brent was such a great musician — and was bound to make us laugh. May the soul of Brent rest in the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I remember going to a silent film and Brent made up all the music as it went along. Such amazing talent and fond memories of singing with him. We always looked forward to hearing him play at various church services we attended. He will be missed!
Brent did indeed play for our wedding, and ten years later, almost to the day, Brent traveled to the Catholic Church at Cass Lake to play for my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary mass where they renewed their vows. He was so integral to this mass that he made the whole day that much more special.
As others have said, he was a beautiful, kind, funny, generous, passionate, loving, spirited, and godly human being. Our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and extended family. Please accept our sincerest sympathy.
My sincere sympathy to all of his family. I attend the Fargo Nativity Church and always looked forward to his musical presentation. I hoped he would always work at Nativity so I could enjoy and appreciate his wonderful piano playing and other talents. May he rest peace.
.
It is so hard to believe he is gone. Brent was such a good friend to me through my years at UND, and He has been a very dear friend to my mom for so many years while he rented a room in our family home and worked with her at St. John’s Church in Grafton, and that unique friendship has continued through his years in Fargo. I miss playing duets with him at Holy Family Church in Grand Forks. He could make any song sound absolutely amazing! He has left a wonderful legacy of music by composing, recording, and sharing his joyful love for music and incredible talent with innumerable souls. Now he is making eternal music with his Creator. Thank you, Brent, for being a light to so many people through your lifetime on this earth. You will be so greatly missed.
I had the pleasure to work with Brent for the last six years. He played piano at all of our UND commencement ceremonies. He was kind, dedicated, and one of the most talented pianists! He never looked at a note of music. When Brent finished playing, the guests erupted in applause. One of those guest was always Brent’s mom. She never missed a ceremony. His talent was matched by his bright spirit! The heavens are filled with his glorious music! 🎶 ❤️🎵I am blessed to have known him.
Kitty and I are heartbroken at the loss of a great friend here on earth, but trust in Our Loving God to welcome Brent into the beautiful promise of Heavenly life. Brent played at our wedding. No matter the occasion, he artfully ensured my favorite church song would be woven into the music. Thank you Lord for blessing our lives with Brent’s loving soul.
Prayers to the family! So sorry to hear of Brent passing. We so enjoyed his talent he was such
a glow at Nativity with his music and kindness. Brent rest in peace.
I’m so sorry to hear of Brent’s passing. Brent was an amazing musician! I’m thankful for the memories of having him play piano with the RRHS choir and at Holy Family Church. I’m sure he is accompanying a choir of angels now! Prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Requiescat in pace, Brent. May your voice echo with all the hosts of heaven in eternity.
Brent, it did take me awhile to grasp the magic of your majestic gift. After hearing you play the Prelude of Christmas mass when you first arrived at Nativity., from “Mannheim Steamrollers” Amazing. Really the most unforgetable person I have ever met. Thankng you for helping our 3 Generations group grow. “May the Angels Welcome you to Paradise:”
What a terrible loss to Nativity Parish! Brent was, indeed, the shining light in the music world of the parish. His joyful smile, ability to remember names, and his true dedication to music will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, Brent!
I am so sorry to read this news. Mom loved Brent and was in awe of his talent. She would rave about his ability to play anything. We were so blessed when Brent came to play at my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary last summer. He was a kind and talented man and we are thankful for the joy he brought mom.
I first knew Brent while he was a student at Red River high school. I was the associate principal at the time. He was a student who stood out even though he was on the quiet side. Over the years I heard many of his performances at church and other locations. He was an amazing person. Rest in peace Brent.
Brent’s passing has been difficult to process. He has been a special and dear friend for nearly 25 years. We have made beautiful music and precious memories together and we are so thankful to have had him in our lives. We were double blessed by his amazing talent and endearing friendship.
A truly beautiful soul has passed from this earth, too soon most would say, but not the angels in heaven, who are embracing this musical genius and welcoming Brent into their celestial choir.
Rest in peace, beautiful and talented friend. You will be dearly missed.
You were a bright light in this world and will be missed greatly. Our family will never forget how beautifully you played at our son Adam’s memorial and funeral service.
We were members of Holy Family for many years. Every Sunday, Brent reminded us that our Faith was a joyful thing. Our sincere sympathy to David, Vicki and family.
I am so sorry about Brent. We worked together on the Dakota River Boat many, many years ago and Brent was delightful – always willing for extra practice or for a few laughs. I have very fond memories of Brent.
I don’t know how many times we finished up on the boat and then would go and take over the Westward Ho… I remember Brent playing their piano and the rest of us ended up doing most of our show for the poor folks at the bar
This is from your old nursing buddy Vicky Jody Milton. so sorry to hear of Brent passing
As others have expressed who knew him and worked with him Brent will be missed for the joy he brought thru his music and the smiling kindness he exhibited always.
Our sympathy to his family for their loss of a wonderful man.
As others have expressed who knew him and worked with him Brent will be missed for the joy he brought thru his music and the smiling kindness he exhibited always.
Our sympathy to his family for their loss of a wonderful man.
To the Hermans Vicky and Valery ….I know how hard this must be!! I remember your family so fondly and your love for Brent.
My Brent… my Buddy I love you my little brother. I can’t be with you today .I wish I could it will be glorious! You are so loved!!! But I know you are where we are all striving to be, with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Brent you could follow me where ever I would go on that piano and always made me sound better than I deserved making my mistakes feel like it was supposed to be that way. With you much of the music felt
“Anointed” we started being a duo when you were in the 10th grade I believe.You played many masses on weekends but also played when I cantered on Saturday night at Holy Family. We did weddings and funerals too many to mention for years. We fought like siblings (you said you never fought with Valerie that bad 🙂 I’d get mad because you always put these beautiful Brent renditions at the end and I never knew when I was supposed to sit down! You’d give me a smirk and I’d give you “The jaw” haha so blessed!!!
The last time we were together on our own after many years of losing touch I just couldn’t stop crying because I knew I was in the presence of a saint. Saints aren’t perfect but to me Brent being with you always gave me the feeling of being closer to God! Congratulations you’re Home. Well deserved my friend
Dear Valarie, Alex and Family,
We were deeply saddened to read of Brent’s passing. Brent had an impact on so many lives and will be missed by all who knew him. God will Bless his memory We pray God’s Blessing be with each of you Today and Always.
Much Love,
Bill/Paula
My condolences to Brent’s family. His love for music spread his love of God. He was always willing to share, even though at times his health was not good.
Valarie, Alex and Family,
Our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your brother.
Brent had such a gift. During COVID while church was suspended the first Easter I dressed up and walked to church to pray. While waiting Brent came in and played the piano. His selection was the alleluia chorus. The church though empty, was alive the angels were singing. Twice recently, after church I let Brent know that he was not alone that the angels were singing along with him. Brent brought heaven to earth. I was blessed to have known him. My sympathies to his family.
Vicki, Jane, and families – although I never had the opportunity to meet Brent, I felt immediate sadness and shock when hearing of his death. I have spent much time reading the many messages left here sharing the thoughts of so many on Brent’s virtues as a person and musician. Our parents go back so many years as friends, and I considered Auntie and Charlie Atherton as an extra set of grandparents. So, through love, I feel that we are related, and that I have lost a dear friend and brother, although we have not met. I know my folks have greeted Bree t with open arms. May he rest in peace in god’s embrace. Colleen McKay Eastman
Brent was the first pianists I sang with at Holy Family. We lead quite a few Easter masses together. He had such a great gift. I am sorry to hear of his passing. I am grateful for the times that I was able to share music ministry and worship with him. Prayers for all those who love and miss Brent.