services will be held today (Thursday, March 9) in the Riceville United Methodist Church tor Kenneth (Chinks) Hammerstrom, 75, Riceville resident who died Monday, March 6, 2000, at his residence following an extended illness.

The Rev. Edythe Hill will officiate at the 1:30 p.m. services. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. Riceville, with Roy Gue Post conducting militaiv lights. He was a member of Riceville American Legion Post.

Mr. Hammerstrom was born in Mission, Texas March 11, 1924, son ‘of Rift&TTif.^iWt^IRrerfcl-Wetta Lolnsbaiy Httminerstrotti. HfS education began in Colorado,'and he entered Burt Public School in the second grade and graduated in 1947. Following graduation he entered the Navy and later spent time in the Merchant Marines during World War II.

He was united in marriage to Shirley Edel of Sumner, Iowa, Aug 3, 1047 in the Randalia United Methodist Church. They established their home in Burt.

When they moved to Riceville in 1950. he established an electric shop and in 1955"the Riceville Bowling Alley. Later he was employed by Mosher Door Factory, traveling to many states installing aircraft doors. He was employed as manager of the State Liquor Store in Riceville from 1977 to 1985.

Mr. Hammerstrom had much creative ability and at one time built a house boat w hich was enjoyed by his family and friends. For 14 years he. his wife, and many friends and relatives enjoyed time at their cabin near Nevis, Minn. He enjoyed his woodworking hobby, much ot which is evident throughout his home. He also enjoyed fishing, boating and basketball.

Survivors include his wife. Shirley. Riceville: a brother Dennis and his wife. Janice. Fargo. N.D.: two sister-in-laws. Virl Hammerstrom, Orlando. Fla., and Ruth Whiteford. Randalia. Iowa and a brother-in-law. Ralph Edel and his wife. Oelwein. Iowa. Also nieces and nephews Sonja and Brad Nykof and Emily: Karie and Jessica Hammerstrom. Donna and Odis: Kelly and Nancy Hammerstrom and Russell and Randy Hammerstrom and their wives.

Other nieces and nephews which were special to him for guidance and advice throughout the years included Linda Modlinski, Jim Whiteford and his wife. Teri; Jeri and Jay Wilson and Evelina Liquiz.

Proceeding him in death were his parents: a brother, Donald

Source: Riceville Recorder Mar. 9, 2000 from the Elma library collection assembled by Marian (Marr) McGee, Transcribed by ABBYY FineReader® 12, Adapted to the web by Bill Waters