Kenneth Edwin Hammeren

1948 - 2025

Kenneth Edwin Hammeren

March 14, 1948 - August 7, 2025

BISMARCK - Kenneth (Ken) Edwin Hammeren, 77, Bismarck, passed away August 7, 2025, surrounded by family. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, September 19th, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck, N.D. Friends and Family are invited to visit one hour prior to the service, and at a luncheon following the service.

Ken was born March 14,1948, in Watford City, N.D. He was second to the youngest of eight children born to Ingwald and Helen Hammeren. Ken was proud of his Watford City roots, and spoke often of the community and his lifelong friends.

Ken loved Nature and the outdoors, particularly the Badlands. During his first year of life, the family home burned down. While the Pastor and community rebuilt the house, Ken spent much of that year in a bassinet under the shade of a tree in their front yard. His mother attributed his love of nature to this early experience.

Ken attended school in Watford City until his Senior year. He returned often for class reunions and community events, always happy to see old friends. Ken graduated with the class of 1967 at Richardton High. He was a talented athlete, and continued his sports participation under the guidance of his brother, Harold, who was the coach at Richardton. Ken appreciated that his class at Richardton welcomed him and included him in many class gatherings. Ken attended Bismarck Junior College until he was inducted into the U.S. Army on April 4, 1968. He served in Germany, and was honorably discharged March 15, 1970. The Army wanted Ken to extend his service to exclusively travel and play basketball for the U.S. Army team, but Ken chose instead to come home.

Ken was married to Jacque Hopfauf. Together they had two children, Kemberly and Shawn. Although he did not see them as often as he would have liked after they left North Dakota, Ken loved them both and carried them in his heart forever.

In 1979, Ken and Laurie Sterioti were married. They resided in Bismarck, and had one son Michael. Ken had a gentle heart, was a loving husband, an outstanding father, and proud Papa to his grandchildren. His greatest joys in life were his family, friends and work. Ken took great pride in his successful heavy industrial sales career. He was genuinely grateful for his customers, and cherished the many friendships that ensued.

Ken was outgoing, loved people and pets, and had fun wherever he was. Ken was an avid sports fan, and a lifelong Packers and Yankees fan-to the consternation of his friends who supported the Vikings. Ken was a loyal friend. He enjoyed bowling and played softball with his buddies for over 30 years. The McQuade Tournament was always a highlight of the Summer. Ken drove many extra miles to get back to Bismarck so as not to miss his son Mike's sporting events. Hunting and Fishing were also his passions. He arranged many outings for family and friends, and appreciated the McKenzie County and other landowners who allowed him hunting access. Ken loved music and dancing, often twirling his wife Laurie around the kitchen in perfect two step fashion.

Although Ken had serious medical issues following a massive stroke 10 years ago, he never complained. He found joy in the life he had sharing time with his family at his favorite peaceful place, the cabin at Indian Hills on Lake Sakakawea, especially when his grandkids Harper and Jaxon were there. When he wasn't fishing, Ken loved watching rodeo on T.V. or sitting on the deck just enjoying the beautiful view of the lake. He appreciated all of the wonderful lake and Mustang Drive neighbors who so willingly helped him and Laurie.

Ken is survived by his wife of nearly 46 years, Laurie; his children, Kem, Shawn, and Mike (Nichole); son-in-law, Roy Thombs; his grandchildren; brothers, Harold (special friend Colleen), Allen (Bonnie), Doug (Carole); uncle, Dale Evenson; sisters-in-law, Lane Devine and Patsy Hammeren; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Roy Melby; sisters, Shirley Brown, Edna Hammeren, Linda Wingenbach; brother, Arnold; mother-in-law, LeOma Sterioti; father-in-law, Michael J. Sterioti; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Ken Litt; brother-in-law, John Devine; nephews, Allen (Tubby) Hammeren, Justin Hammeren; niece, Shirlene VanNurden.

Memorial contributions can be sent to Ken's favorite charity "COPS & KIDS" Missouri Valley Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #3 1004 E Central Ave. Bismarck, N.D. 58501, (701) 390-1352; or to Central Dakota Human Society or Furry Friends Rockin Rescue.

Visit www.eastgatefuneral.com to share memories and sign the online guestbook.