Charles Kealoha

Herrmann III

Charles Kealoha Herrmann III
April 14, 1983 – October 29, 2026

Charles Kealoha Herrmann III, 43, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away on October 29, 2026, after a courageous eight-year battle with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Charles was born on April 14, 1983, in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, and raised in Waiʻanae, where his deep love for the ocean, Hawaiian culture, and the outdoors began at an early age. With his father being a fisherman, Charles grew up learning to live from the ocean. He developed a passion for spearfishing, laying nets, and paddling canoe—traditions and skills that remained an important part of his life.

Charles began his education at Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Waiau before transferring to Kula Kaiapuni ʻo ʻĀnuenue, where he continued his Hawaiian immersion education. Through these experiences, he developed a deep appreciation for the Hawaiian language, traditional mele and hula, and the importance of preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian culture.

He graduated from Waiʻanae High School in 2001, where he participated in the Hawaiian Studies program. His love of learning extended to Hawaiian history, native plants, archaeology, and cultural preservation. He took particular interest in archaeological artifacts and historical sites, even assisting renowned archaeologists in mapping sites throughout the Waiʻanae Mountains. This work was later published, an accomplishment that reflected his dedication to understanding and preserving the history of his homeland.

In 2003, Charles enlisted in the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard, beginning a military career that would take him far from the islands he called home. He served in both the Hawaiʻi and Minnesota Army National Guards, completing three combat deployments to Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as a combat medic. His military service reflected his strength, courage, and commitment to caring for others.

Following his military service, Charles pursued a career in corrections, serving as a correctional officer and later as a lieutenant at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. Throughout his life, Charles was a man of many interests and talents. He enjoyed physical fitness from a young age, competing in powerlifting and mixed martial arts cage fighting. He had an incredible passion for learning and was always eager to gain new knowledge or master a new skill. Whether it was history, fishing, gardening, cooking, or something entirely new, Charles approached his interests with curiosity and determination.

Fishing remained one of his greatest passions. Whether freshwater, saltwater, or ice fishing, Charles was happiest with a fishing pole or spear in hand. He especially treasured fishing trips in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Hawaiʻi. He also enjoyed gardening, growing and harvesting vegetables, and learning to preserve the fruits of his labor through canning. He found joy in the simple things, especially when they could be shared with those he loved.

In 2018, Charles was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma. Over the next eight years, he faced numerous treatments, including two stem cell transplants. Through every challenge, Charles demonstrated remarkable resilience, determination, and strength. Even during the most difficult times, his love for his family and his desire to keep living life remained strong.

Charles's middle name, Kealoha, means "the love," a name that truly reflected the way he lived. When Charles loved someone or something, he loved wholeheartedly. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He encouraged those around him to step outside their comfort zones, pursue their goals, and never stop learning. He was a source of strength, wisdom, and encouragement to those fortunate enough to know him. He also shared a special bond with his beloved dog, Willow, who brought him tremendous joy.

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Miranda Herrmann of Rochester, Minnesota; his son, Charles K. Herrmann IV, a United States Marine stationed in Japan; his mother, Sherrie Goodhue of Waiʻanae, Hawaiʻi; his sister, Shanna Herrmann of Waiʻanae, Hawaiʻi; and several nieces, nephews, aunties, uncles, and cousins.

Charles will be remembered for his strength, adventurous spirit, love of his Hawaiian heritage, endless curiosity, and above all, the wholehearted love he gave to those around him. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the knowledge he shared, and the memories he created.

A celebration of Charles's life will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Herrmann family home in Rochester, Minnesota. At a later date, Charles's ashes will be scattered in the ocean off the shores of Mākua Beach on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi,returning him to the waters and homeland he loved so deeply.