Mitchell Lee Hammerstad

Mitchell (Mitch) Lee Hammerstad was born in June 1934, in Edinburg, North Dakota, to Melvin and Lillian (Olafson) Hammerstad. He passed away in November 2024 at the age of 90 after a brief battle with cancer.
As a young child, Mitch and his mother relocated to Oregon, ending up in Seaside. He graduated from Seaside High School in 1952. He then attended the University of Oregon, earning a degree from the School of Business in 1957. A lifelong member of Sigma Chi fraternity, Mitch became their chapter advisor in the 1970's.
In 1965, Mitch met Sheri Helt in Beaverton, Oregon, and they married shortly thereafter in 1966. The couple moved to Eugene, Oregon in 1969, where they also welcomed their daughter, Kristi.
After working for several insurance agencies, Mitch founded Hammerstad Insurance Agency in 1976. Throughout his business career, he held leadership positions, serving as president of Cascade Toastmasters, the Eugene Town Club, Central Lutheran Church (twice), the Eugene Country Club, and the Eugene Lane County Insurance Association. Mitch retired at the age of 80, after 50 years in the insurance field.
In retirement, he was able to play some golf, play a lot of games of gin rummy, and took trips to Las Vegas for March Madness. A devoted Lutheran, Mitch attended weekly Bible study and was a passionate supporter of the Oregon Ducks. He was known for making a friendly wager and for being an honest loyal friend.
Mitch is survived by his beloved wife, Sheri; his daughter, Kristi; and his granddaughters, Samantha and Lauryn, along with numerous cousins.
Memorial gifts can be made to: Cascade Hospice Health Foundation, or Central Lutheran Church Memorial Courtyard and Columbarium.
There will be a memorial service at Central Lutheran Church 1857 Potter Street, Eugene, OR 97403 on Saturday, January 18th, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. The service will be available to live stream at welcometocentral.org