Frank Henry Hammers

Frank H. Hammers, 85, of Perham, MN died peacefully on Monday, October 24, 2011, at Sanford Health, Fargo, ND. Frank Henry Hammers was born August 30, 1926, to Henry and Lora (Stolp) Hammers, in Dent, MN. He grew up in Dent and briefly attended high school in Perham, MN, where he met his sweetheart and love of his life, Ellie M. Zeller. At age 16, Frank quit school and with $13.00 in his pocket boarded a train for Beeville, TX, to work for a friend of the family on a cattle ranch and at a small creamery where he learned to make butter and ice cream. He completed his high school education and attended Corpus Christi Jr. College in Corpus Christi, TX. Frank never forgot about Ellie and would make a point to see her whenever he was back in Perham. Frank was a member of the 'greatest generation' and proudly served his country in the US Army during WWII. Ellie anxiously awaited Frank's return from military service and they were united in marriage on April 10, 1950, in Minneapolis, MN. They were blessed with five wonderful children and spent 57 years together. The saddest day of Frank's life was when his dear wife passed from this life on September 29, 2007 and he never stopped missing her. Frank dreamed of going to college and, with determination, he graduated from the University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul, MN, in 1954, despite going to school by day and working at night to support his wife and young children at the time. He never took his education at the University of St. Thomas for granted and was a proud alumni until the day he died. Frank loved his Catholic faith and took great pride in serving the church and being a 4th degree Knight of Columbus. Frank was active in all the communities in which he and Ellie lived, including serving in the Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Lake Associations, Lions Club, Elks Club, V.F.W, and American Legion. Frank enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the beauty of the MN lake country. Frank is survived by his sons, Patrick (Cheryl) Hammers, Fairbanks, AK, and Gregory (Cheryl) Hammers, Redwood Falls, MN; daughters, Cynthia (John) Naughton, Fargo, ND, Mary (Irv) Hines, Andover, MN, and Valerie (Brad) Haas, Parker, CO; one brother, Donald Hammers; and three sisters, Kathryn (Dick) Eichschen, Mary Ann (Bernie) Noltz, and Rose (Jim) Limmer; thirteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Preceding Frank in death are his parents, wife Ellie; grandchild, Eve, and siblings Edward, Robert, Joe, and Raymond Hammers.