May 1, 1937 — March 30, 2017
A funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday April 4, 2017, at St. Cecelia Catholic Church. Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m., on Monday April 3, 2017, at Oakcrest Funeral Services, Algona. Interment was held in Calvary Catholic Cemetery following the funeral Mass.
Edwin John Hammer was born May 1, 1937, to John Edward and Mary Anna (Manthei) Hammer. He passed away at home on March 30, 2017. He was not only a shining star in his community, but he was such a great influence on his family and friends. He attended and graduated from St. Cecelia’s Academy in May 1955.
He married his love, Karen Kay Kuchenreuther on July 11, 1959, at St. Cecelia’s church as they started their journey of almost 58 years together. His four children loved and admired him; Tom (Laurie) Hammer, Craig (Ericka) Hammer, Kelly Hammer and Sheila Hammer. He has 11 grandchildren who thought their Bapa was the best.
Ed moved out of his parent’s home at the age of 13 to live with Bill & Francis Dodds and family. He milked cows in the morning and again after school every day. He had great stories of baling hay and a rat climbing up his pant leg. At the age of 18 he started working at Hilton’s Sinclair Station and eventually managed it until his retirement in 2003, after 48 years. He was known for his genuine smile, kind customer service, and good conversation.
Although retired, he wasn’t ready to sit still so he took on managing the Algona Auto Wash for 13 years. He took pride in a good day’s work and instilled his work ethic in his children. “If you take good care of it, it will last forever.” He was also able to enjoy his original love of farming. He would pack his lunch and be as excited as a kid to be out all day in the tractor or grain truck. He had great patience, never complained, and made the best of whatever life handed him.
You could find him on almost every Saturday night at the Algona stock car races. He enjoyed watching NASCAR races on TV, playing cards with friends and family, and being with his kids and grandkids.
He is survived by his wife Karen, his four children Tom, Craig, Kelly, and Sheila.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary, his sister Delores (Kenny) Meyer, and brother Donnie (Betty) Hammer.
Oakcrest Funeral Services, www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com
Edwin Hammer
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