Joseph Hermolin

Joseph “Joe” Hermolin, an academician, historian and devoted supporter of his adopted Antigo community, died Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023 at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay. He was 83 years old.

Throughout his long life, Joe moved between the university setting, publishing highly technical research papers on subjects such as Escherichia coli H to the homespun, penning tales on pioneer lore and traditions. He guided the Langlade County Historical Society through a series of improvement projects, donned a World War I uniform to relay the story of Leland Tollefson at a cemetery walk, skied the famed American Birkebeiner marathon race numerous times, and contributed to the betterment of his community however possible.

“Our individual lives and our communities are shaped by where we have been,” Joe said. “Knowing our past, both the good and the bad, illuminates who we are now and acts as a guide to where we are heading and, perhaps, what to avoid. That’s what makes local history important, in addition to providing fascinating stories.”

Born Jan. 1, 1940 in Toronto, Canada, he was a son of David and Lucy (Schleifstein) Hermolin. He married Renate Eva Marie Bromberg on Sept. 28, 1984 in Madison. The couple recently celebrated 39 years of marriage.

Joe received his doctorate degree at the University of Toronto and spent his career as a senior scientist and biologist. After working in Houston, Texas, he took what he thought would be a “temporary” position in the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madisson medical school. He stayed for 27 years.

Following his retirement, he and Renate moved from Madison, where they continued to keep close ties, to their summer home at Pence Lake, and in more recent years to a home they constructed on East Town Drive in Antigo.

It was in the Northwoods that Joe “second career” as a historian blossomed. He became active in the Langlade County Historical Society, soon assuming the presidency of the board of directors. Under his guidance, the Society embarked on a series of major projects, including the purchase and renovation of the 440-steam locomotive, and most recently a major renovation and remodeling project to the 1905 Carnegie library museum that added a north wing, elevator, accessible restrooms and other improvements. That work is ongoing. In December, Joe was elected by the board of directors to another term as president.

While the bricks and mortar projects were important, Joe’s passion was research. He championed archiving the museum’s photograph and document collection and making it available online and supported the work of Recollection Wisconsin, an online digital research community. He served on the group’s Steering Committee and took part in the Education Advisory Committee and Digital Readiness Community of Practice. He authored numerous online exhibits highlighting Recollection Wisconsin resources and local history stories. He also sat on the Wisconsin Council for Local History board and wrote columns and articles for The Antigo Daily Journal, including regular contributions to the monthly PrimeTimes magazine.

His love of learning also extended to his various roles on the Antigo Public Library Foundation Board, serving as president. He was also active in Antigo Visual Artists, the local art guild.

An ardent outdoor enthusiast, Joe skied in the American Birkebeiner ski race in Hayward as well as World Loppet events in Europe. He was a member of the Antigo Bike & Ski Club, Elcho Cross-Country Ski Club and even taught ice skating.

In addition to his wife, Renate Bromberg, Joe is survived by a brother, Sol Hermolin, of Toronto, two nieces, a nephew, and a community of friends and admirers.

In accordance with Joe’s wishes that there be “no fuss,” memorial services will be held at a later date.

A memorial has been established for the Langlade County Historical Society, which Joe loved and supported so deeply.

The Strasser-Roller Funeral Home is serving the family.

“The past isn’t dead. It’s not even past,” William Faulkner.