Kermit Rosendahl

Kermit Rosendahl, Jr. a devoted musician, businessman, family man and notable figure in the history of the Fairmount community, passed away peacefully at his home in Fairmount, North Dakota, at 4:33am on February 24, 2025, at the age of 98. Born in Hamberg, North Dakota on May 16, 1926, Kermit lived a life marked by resilience, service, and a love of Dixieland Jazz.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Kermit learned the values of hard work and determination from an early age. He managed a newspaper route and collected metal to sell for scrap, which instilled in him a sense of pride that culminated in his ability to purchase his own new Elgin bicycle. Kermit grew up in a Norwegian family where his uncle, Nels Julson, was instrumental in his formative years, taking him with him wherever he went, including his carpentry jobs, and buying Kermit his first trumpet at the age of 10. Together they played in Nels’ The Stars Orchestra, where Nels played tenor sax. These experiences laid the groundwork for the integrity and commitment Kermit later demonstrated in both his personal and professional life. Subsequently, Nels played in the bands that Kermit formed and managed, in and around Fessenden and Velva ND: Kermy’s Quintet and Rosie’s Orchestra. Kermit also later played in the Wahpeton ND Elks Band Jolly Corks.

Kermit honorably served in the United States Army and was discharged on January 16, 1945. Following his military service, he was a member of the Fairmount Honor Guard, a duty he fulfilled with respect and care. He was also pleased to play alto horn in the North Dakota American Legion State Band which performed all over the country. In 2024 at the Memorial Day service in Fairmount, Kermit was honored for 80 years of membership in the American Legion.

Kermit's banking career began in Wells County, North Dakota in 1947. In 1959, Kermit joined Peoples State Bank in Fairmount after the untimely passing of the bank's then-president, Earl Schouweiler. He devoted many years to the banking industry, building the new Peoples State Bank in 1985, then retiring in 1994 when Earl Schouweiler’s son, Earl Wayne, took over the helm. Kermit also established Rosendahl Realty in Fairmount, further contributing to the community's growth and development by providing for those who may not have otherwise had a chance at home rental or ownership. Likewise, Kermit was proud of the Fairmount community, and grateful and appreciative for all that they had done for him.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Kermit made trips around the contiguous United States with his young family and first wife, Phyllis. In 1969, he proudly built his new Fairmount house which he lived in and cherished until his passing. With his second wife, June, he enjoyed many happy travels including South Padre Island, Texas; Alaska; Norway; and South America. In 2015, he enjoyed a memorable excursion to New Zealand with his son, Gary. He also had a connection with nature and considered the welfare of birds and animals. He enjoyed collecting beautiful rock and wood specimens wherever he went. With his love of music and antiques, he was also an avid collector of brass instruments and musical instruments in general. Kermit founded the South East North Dakota Jazz, a group of musicians from all over the tri-state area who met in the basement of his home in Fairmount one Wednesday evening a month for many years.

Kermit is survived by his ex-wife Phyllis Jackson; daughter Linda Rosendahl; son-in-law John Mayne, daughter-in-law Barb Rosendahl; stepchildren Mei-Lani Young and Andrew Young; and grandchildren Kaylee Rosendahl, Sienna Rosendahl, and Storm Rosendahl-Mayne. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Christ Julson and Jennie Nelsdatter Julson; uncles Julius Julson, Nels Julson, Theodore Julson, and Haldor Julson; aunt Laura Julson; parents, Kermit Rosendahl, Sr. and Anne Julson Rosendahl; brother Russell Rosendahl; sister Ione Rosendahl; former wife June Rosendahl; and son Gary Rosendahl.

Kermit Rosendahl's life was a testament to fortitude, self-reliance, creativity, humor, courage, and determination. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him, and those who will hear his story, for years to come.

Visitation will be held at Kermit's home (103 4th St S, Fairmount, ND) Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 5 PM - 7PM. His funeral service will take place at Vertin Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, Friday March 7th, 2025, at 3 PM. Visitation will be held one hour prior to his service. Burial will take place at a later date at Hamberg Lutheran Cemetery, Hamberg, ND. Renee Hasbargen will officiate the service.