John Hammerstein

WAPAKONETA — John W. Hammerstein, age 76 of Wapakoneta, died at 11:25 p.m., Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at Kindred Hospital, Lima. He was born December 6, 1941 in Springfield, Ohio to the late Paul J. and Hazel Viola Brown Hammerstein. He married Sandra Kaye Dittion, who survives in Wapakoneta.

At 11 years of age, John had a paper route and because of his hard work and dedication, he became a honorary ball boy for the then, Ft. Wayne Zollner Pistons, now the Detroit Pistons. He attended Bethlehem Lutheran Grade School and graduated from South Side High School both of Ft. Wayne. After graduating high school, John enlisted for four years into the U. S. Air force. During his time in the Air Force he taught and ran the flight simulator.

John started his adult work career with IBM and retired in the early 1990s after 29 years. He then went to work with a former co worker at EI in Lexington, Kentucky followed by working at Lima Floor Covering. In 2008, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He did not let this consume him and loved to stay active. His memberships included the Fraternal Order of the Eagles 691, V.F.W. Post 8445, the Am Vets 333, and had been active in the Dad's Club all of Wapakoneta. He loved golfing at the Wapakoneta County Club and the Prairie View Golf Course in Waynesfield. He was a big football fan and fisherman and enjoyed NASCAR and genealogy.

Survivors also include 4 sons - Mike Hammerstein of Detroit; Mark (Marie) Hammerstein of Erie, PA; Matt (Anne) Hammerstein of London, England; Dr. John P. (Dr. Jeannette) Hammerstein of Bloomington, IN; 7 grandchildren - Katherine, Matthew, Hazel, Lila, Elke, Jasper, and Freya; a sister - Jennifer (Bill) Sorg of Ft. Wayne; 2 sister-in-laws - Judy Hammerstein of Ft. Wayne; and Karen (Tom) Humbercht of Ft. Wayne.

He was preceded in death by a brother - Danny Hammerstein, who died March 2017.

A graveside service will be held at a later date in Lindenwood Cemetery, Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Donate: National Multiple Sclerosis Society in his name.