Mary Kamen

Mary's service can be viewed here. 

On January 24, 2026, at the age of 78, Mary Elizabeth Kamen took her final bow, leaving behind a legacy of hearty laughter, a bit of sass, and unapologetic authenticity.

Services to celebrate Mary’s life will be held at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026, with Deacon Pete Mehlhaff officiating.

Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery following the service.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is honored to serve the Kamen family. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com. Services will be recorded and posted on our Facebook page following the service.

Mary Elizabeth Kamen was born December 6, 1947, to Julius and Agnes (Hansen) Kamen. The youngest of three children, Mary, grew up on a farm southwest of Aberdeen, SD. She possessed a deep love for animals, especially dogs and horses; throughout her childhood, she and her brothers rode in parades, rodeos, and shows. Indicative of her spunky nature, Mary was known to ride while standing bareback on her galloping horse. She was an accomplished pianist, recognized nationally as a child prodigy for her exceptional musical gift.

Following graduation from Central High School and Presentation College in Aberdeen, Mary lived in Colorado and Missouri. Her career was as diverse as her talents: she built a Herbalife nutritional products business, worked in the insurance industry, and served long-term as the Executive Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) at the national office in Kansas City, MO.

During retirement, Mary enjoyed traveling the world and staying closely connected with family and friends via social media. She valued living close to her son, Chris, and his wife, Barbara, so they could spend time together. She was passionate about Poodles and thoroughly pampered her Molly, Maggie, and Joey.

Mary is survived by her son, Chris Hermesch (Barbara Poe), and her brothers, Jerald (Susan) Kamen and Dennis Kamen. She will be dearly remembered as the doting “Grauntie Mary” by her nieces and nephews: Julie (Dick) Bronder, Cheri (Mark) Rath, Kathi (Rick) Kessler, Jim (Val) Kamen and Jan Sacrison, as well many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Agnes Kamen; former husband, Mike Hermesch; longtime companion, Steve Byars; sister-in-law, Marcia Kamen; grand-niece, Kassandra Kessler; her grandparents; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.