Herman Eli Tester

In Loving Memory of Herman Eli Tester

January 7, 1935 – June 26, 2025

With love and gratitude, we remember the life of Herman Eli Tester, who passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, at the age of 90.

Herman was born in Shiawassee County, Michigan, to Percy and Iva Mary (Shoup) Tester. He grew up in Morris and graduated from Morris High School in 1954. Herman married Carol McLeod on June 23, 1956, in Springport, MI. Herman began his working life in an abrasive factory and later joined Fisher Body in Lansing. He found his calling as a welder and foreman at Springport Steel, but it was in the Spring of 1973 that Herman made his lasting mark—moving his family to the U.P. where he purchased his Uncle Floyd's sawmill, Tester Sawmill, and continued the family business another 30 years.

Herman was a man of vision and craftsmanship, producing high-quality Grade Lumber, pallets for the automotive industry, and building custom log homes. His talents didn’t stop there. Alongside his wife Carol, he ran Snow Belt Lodging, where he welcomed snowmobilers to explore the Upper Peninsula. He was deeply involved in the snowmobile community—so much so that he rebuilt a Tucker Sno-Cat and crafted his own groomer drag to keep trails smooth for others. His interests were many—he loved motorcycles, airplanes, and classic cars. His prized 1956 station wagon became a staple in the Grand Marais 4th of July parade, a tradition he continued for nearly 30 years.

Herman’s legacy lives on through his wife of 69 years, Carol Tester, 3 children, 9 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren; his children: Ronald (Teresa) Tester, Tamera (Lee) Smith, and Gordon (Mary) Tester; grandchildren: Bethany Aliberti, Seth (Heidi) Tester, Jared Tester, Larisa (Chris) Carlon, Andrew (Jenny) Smith, Adam (Christy) Tester, Gordon (Katie) Tester, Jessica (Louis) Schaut, and Nathaniel (Angela) Tester; and great-grandchildren: Jamison Bell, Ashton Bell, Payton Bell and Rocko Kirkpatrick, Taegan Carlon, Ryder and Race Smith, Conan and Ronin Tester, Malcolm Schaut, and Tobias Langdale. He is also survived by his sister Eva Wymer and brother Harold Tester. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Nina (Holcomb) Tester, and siblings Harry Tester, Ellen Crane, Martha Goodrich, and Mary Royston.

A memorial tribute, from Facebook’s Grand Marais Sno-Trails Association, described Herman as a pioneer of the Grand Marais snowmobile community—always ready to help others enjoy the trails he loved, “Herman was the heart of the Grand Marais snowmobile community. If you needed a guide, a friend, or a smooth trail—he was there. I’m proud to say, I learned from Herm.”

There was even a sign hanging up in the Dune Saloon: “I LEARNED FROM HERM.”

Herman lived fully, gave generously, and leaves behind a legacy of friendship, grumpiness, laughter, and lifelong adventure. He will be missed by many and remembered always.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Lighthouse Fellowship Church in Grand Marais on Saturday, July 12, 2025 with Phil Bontrager officiating.