Thomas John “Tom” Hermann

Thomas John “Tom” Hermann, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and uncle, passed away peacefully in Santa Barbara on November 13, 2025. He is survived by his sons, Steven Hermann and Mark Hermann; his grandchildren, Elle Hermann and Laurel Hermann; his sister, Jeanne Hermann Starks; his niece, Victoria Starks, her husband, Bob Prahl, and sister-in-law, Sharon Hermann. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Arthea Jean Hermann, and his brother, Richard “Dick” Hermann. He was 82 years old.

Tom was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, on July 14, 1943, to Theresa Ann and Bernard Henry Hermann. After his mother suffered a severe toboggan accident that resulted in lasting medical challenges, the family moved to Southern California in the early 1950s. They settled first in Pacoima and later in Panorama City, where Tom attended local schools and developed early interests in art, design, and the natural environment that would inspire his love of landscaping and home projects.

Tom met the love of his life, Arthea Jean Mendenhall, one evening on a San Fernando Valley boulevard. A brief conversation at a stoplight led to coffee, and soon to a lifelong partnership. They married on June 20, 1964.

Tom graduated from the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena shortly after the birth of their first son, Steven. He began his career at Klepa Design Studio before joining Fleetwood Enterprises in Riverside, California, where he worked for 27 years, ultimately serving as Director of Development. During these years, he and Arthea raised their two sons in Southern California before later settling in Santa Barbara.

Tom approached every project with precision and quiet determination. He had a remarkable eye for color and could match any shade by sight. He was especially talented in home projects and landscaping, including constructing decks, awnings, and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. He drafted by hand with beautiful penmanship, planned meticulously, and took on work few people would attempt — designing and building a fiberglass speed boat from scratch in the family garage when his sons were young, and years later restoring much of a Victorian historical home.

His family will always cherish the things he built, the lessons he taught, and the steadiness he brought to their lives.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.