Joe Hammerschmidt

A funeral Mass for Joe Hammerschmidt, 90, of Richardton, will be 10:00 a. m. , Friday, December 4, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Richardton with Father Boniface Muggli OSB Celebrating. Burial will take place in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation for Joe will be 2:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m. , Thursday, December 3, 2015 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson with a rosary and vigil service being held at 7:00 p. m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Joe was called to eternal life by the Lord, surrounded by his family, Monday, November 30, 2015 at his home in Richardton. Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. He was born in Stark County on July 23, 1925, the son of Joseph and Mary (Braulick) Hammerschmidt. Joe’s father passed away in the spring before he was born, leaving Joe to grow up in Richardton without a father. He was the youngest of 10 and quickly became an independent, self-taught man. He attended school at the Assumption Abbey and graduated with the class of 1942. Joe went to serve his country in 1943, with the US Navy during WWII, serving in the Pacific Theatre aboard the DE 408 USS Straus. He was honorably discharged in 1946. These months formed Joe into an honorable, hardworking, respectable man. He was very proud to serve for our country and seldom left the house without his USS Straus DE-408 cap. Following his return to Richardton, Joe was employed by his brother-in-law, Paul Hoff, on his farm north of Richardton. He managed Farmers Union Bulk Station and operated Mobile Oil Gas Station. It was during this time that Joe met Mary Hoff and were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Richardton on October 24, 1951. They were blessed with 61 years together. The couple made their home in Richardton where they raised their family of nine children. To support his family, Joe worked three jobs; one as a master electrician for 30 years, another as a State Farm Insurance agent for 37 years. Joe and Mary also had a star route north of Richardton where they delivered mail for over 61 years; making many lifetime friends along their route. Joe retired at the age of 82. Although Joe’s life was all about work, he also enjoyed fishing, fishing and more fishing. His summers were spent at Mossett Bay where many laughs were shared around the camp fire with family and friends and time was passed catching walleyes. One fond memory that he held close to his heart was when his 3 sons took him on a fishing trip to Alaska. Joe was a great story teller and had one for every occasion. He learned to stay in touch with his family through email and Facebook. Through the internet he connected with a navy comrade and good friend George Steere, who he had lost touch with for 50 years. Joe enjoyed working in the yard, gardening, and playing card games on the computer. He especially loved spending time with his family and had a great love for his grandchildren. After losing his wife Mary in 2013, he became known for baking scotcharoos and caramel rolls. Many of the nursing staff at doctor appointments were treated to his scotcharoos too. He will be missed dearly and remembered for his response to “I love you” which was always “More”. Joe is survived by his children, Ginger (Chris) Bradley of Pensacola, FL, Kathy (Chuck) Schorsch of Richardton, Mike (Nancy) Hammerschmidt of Beulah, Joe (Sheila) Hammerschmidt of Beulah, Debbie (Robert) Knopik of Dickinson, Bonnie (Neal) Messer of Dickinson, Dale (Dawn) Hammerschmidt of Fargo, Mary Jo (Zane) Wicks of Richardton, and Audrey (Marvin) Knopik of Dickinson; 25 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; sister, Marie Sickler; sisters-in-law, Geri (Harvey) Baer, and Gladys Melchoir; Leona Hoff; and brother-in-law, John (Irene) Hoff. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary; loving wife, Mary (2013); infant son, John; brother, Frank; and sisters, Eleanor Hoff, Loretta Hardy, Genevieve Hammerschmidt, Rose Born, Freida Kuntz, Louise Schmidt and Florence Hammerschmidt. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Joe’s name at the Bremer Bank, 128 North B St. , Richardton, ND 58652.


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Burial Date: December 4, 2015

Funeral Mass: Friday: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton, ND