Harold Elmore Hammerstrom

Funeral services for Harold Elmore Hammerstrom, 97, of Sheldon, will be conducted at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, at Hope Reformed Church, of Spencer. Pastor Perry DeGroot will officiate the service. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the church. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, in Spencer. He passed away Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, at Vista Prairie at Fieldcrest, in Sheldon.

Harold was born April 7, 1927, at the home farm 3 miles south of Davis, South Dakota, to Clarence Henry and Esther Madeline Marks Hammerstrom. He was the second child of five: Alvin, Harold, Carol, Lloyd and Verlyn.

Harold loved school and was an excellent student. He first attended District 28 School for seveb years, then attended another nearby country school as an eighth grader. Harold attended Chancellor High School. When not in school, Harold worked on his parents’ farm.

Harold enlisted in the Army upon hearing of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was very interested in the GI bill, which was the only avenue he would have to attend college. Harold was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was very proud of his service to his country.

Harold was united in marriage to Florence Bultena on June 1, 1949, in the parsonage of the Lennox Reformed Church. Harold and Florence had four children: Ellen Kay Strong (June 7, 1950 to Sept. 23, 1997), Glen Alan (Aug. 9, 1951), Linda Gail Porter (Jan. 27, 1955) and Mary Angela De Zeeuw (Feb. 10, 1956 to Nov. 16, 2013).

Harold had eight grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.

Harold received his undergraduate college education at Gen. Beadle State Teachers College in Madison, South Dakota, and his master’s degree at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota. He accepted a teaching position in Linn Grove, Iowa, and taught math, science and was the junior high principal. He also earned an endorsement to teach driver’s education, which he did for many years. He taught Chemistry and other science courses at Northwestern College in Orange City for his career. Harold earned his doctorate in inorganic chemistry in 1968, after devoting summers of study in Georgia, Oklahoma and California in pursuit of his degree.

Harold retired in 1989 and built a house on East Lake Okoboji. After retirement, Harold worked numerous part-time jobs: substitute teaching, electronics department of Walmart, and construction. He began a hobby of carving birds, soon excelling in that endeavor. Harold carved, wood-burned the details, and painted the birds. Harold also enjoyed carpentry, wood-working, building barns and toys for his grandchildren, and making kitchen gadgets and cork trivets for friends and relatives. He was constantly searching for new and interesting challenges to occupy his active and talented mind.

Harold was a wonderful role model. He was caring, loving, and had a keen sense of humor. He was a hard worker. He loved to tell stories about his life and experiences. He remembered minute details and was an excellent teacher. He really enjoyed traveling, especially in the Western U.S. He was a great friend to all people he met.

Harold and Florence lived in numerous communities; the longest in Orange City and Spencer. In 2023, they moved to Fieldcrest Assisted Living in Sheldon. Harold and Florence soon made friends at Fieldcrest, where they were crowned Valentine’s Day King and Queen. Harold participated in the activities in his new home until his health declined. They celebrated 75 years of marriage in June 2024.

Harold died peacefully from complications of cancer, reaching the age of 97 years, 5 months and 26 days.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Florence; two daughters: Mary (DeZeeuw) and Ellen (Strong); a granddaughter, Katie DeZeeuw; a son-in-law, Lewis Strong; a brother, Alvin; and a sister, Carol.

He is survived by his son, Glen (Ruth) Hammerstrom of Hartley; and his daughter, Linda (Randal) Porter of Hospers. Grandchildren include Kristi Strong (Craig) Talley of Denison, Texas, Wendy Strong (Matthew) Wehner of Dayton, Ohio, Christopher (Sarah) Hammerstrom of Panora, Sarah Hammerstrom of Des Moines, Paul (Katie) Porter of Ames, Holly Porter (Seth) Still of Fort Myers, Florida, Jordan (Tabitha) DeZeeuw of Silver City. Great-grandchildren include Harrison (Samantha) Talley; Andrew, Ryan, Collin and Luke Wehner; Maddox, Elijah and Alexander Hammerstrom; Garrett, Gavin and Greta Porter; Callan, Scarlet and Stella DeZeeuw. Great-great granddaughter is Charlotte Talley.

Warner Funeral Home, of Spencer, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent at www.warnerfuneralhome.com.