Ernest J Hammerschmidt

Ernest J. Hammerschmidt passed away Saturday, October 4, 2013, at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas at the age of 77. He was born October 11, 1935 to Joe and Mathilda (Kuhn) Hammerschmidt in Victoria, Kansas. Ernie was united in marriage to Nora J. Rohr on May 12, 1956 in Hays, Kansas. They were blessed with six children, Roger, Gene, Cheryl, Marchelle, Ernie, and Lenee. Ernie spent most of his adult life in the oilfield and working the family farm. For the last 15 years he owned and operated his own oilfield business, Hammerschmidt Fishing Tool Service. In his spare time, Ernie enjoyed the great outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was a Third Degree Knight of Columbus. Ernie is survived by his wife Nora, of the home; sons, Gene of Phoenix, AZ, and Ernie Jr. of Plainville; daughters, Cheryl Seirer and husband Kent of Russell, and Lenee Horting and husband Ty of Plainville; brothers, Leon, Bill, and Tom Hammerschmidt; sisters, Alice Arnold, Elaine Sunley, Mary Hammersmith, JoAnn Jacobs, and Theresa Conboy; granddaughters, Julie Markel, Karen Seirer, Mykeltie Horting, and Brylee Horting; and one great-granddaughter, Kenna Markel. Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Mathilda Hammerschmidt; son Roger Hammerschmidt; daughter Marchelle Hammerschmidt; brothers, Pete, Bob, and Leo Hammerschmidt; and sister, Rose Heidel. Ernie lived by example and embodied the call of God who said, “By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made.” He was a hardworking man who loved his family and friends. Though he will be greatly missed, he will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him best.