Hundreds gathered at a home in Manitowoc County to celebrate the life of a farmer who has surpassed a very impressive life milestone.
Kermitt Hackmann turned 100 years old last week, but you wouldn’t know it based on his abilities. Kermit, who lives one home down from where he was born, still lives essentially on his own.
He makes his own meals, he reads without glasses, and, according to his daughter Karen Thor, up until very recently, he would walk from his home to his son’s place.
“Up to about a year ago, he would walk three-quarters of a mile from his home down to the cabin behind my brother’s farm,” she explained.
Kermitt has been on the farm his entire life, but decided to “retire” when he was 61.
His version of retirement is very different from most.
“I sold my farm to the youngest boy, but I kept working just like usual. I just didn’t get the note check,” he said with a chuckle.
As one may expect, the biggest change Kermitt has seen on the farm is in the technology they use.
“When I was young, it was mostly horses,” he recalled. “They just used the tractor for plowing and working up in the spring. All of the machinery was made for horses.”
Karen says one thing is for certain: he is definitely well-loved.
“The beauty of my dad is pa enjoys life to the fullest,” she explained. “He’s got a great sense of humor, family stops over, he’s very blessed. My three brothers live within a couple of miles from his home, and they all farm. I live in Two Rivers, so the four of us are all close. He’s very blessed.”
She became emotional as she spoke of her father.
“If I could be 100 and be like my dad, it would be worth living a hundred years,” she said, choking back tears.
We asked Kermitt what he says is the key to living 100 years. His answer was quite simple.
“The grace and blessing of God.”
Karen estimated 400 people stopped by to say hi and celebrated with Kermitt and his family, including many members of St. John’s Lutheran Church.
