Florence Katherine Hammerstrom

Florence Katherine Bultena Hammerstrom was born February 24, 1931, on her parents’ farm south of Lennox, South Dakota. She was the daughter of John Peter and Bertha (Smit) Bultena. 

 Florence grew up during the Great Depression. She completed the eighth grade and found employment at the Gardener Five and Dime store in Lennox. She also worked in a steak house and held a variety of other jobs.

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

 Florence had 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great granddaughter.

 Florence was active in the communities in which she lived, mainly Orange City, Spirit Lake, and Spencer. She was a valued employee who worked in a number of stores: E & J Variety, Sears, Village Drug Store, and Walmart. After retirement, she helped care for her daughter, Mary, who suffered from MS. 

 Florence was a wonderful wife, caring mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, and true friend to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She made friends easily and always made time to visit pleasantly with every person who came across her path. She was a Christian and her well-worn Bible was always by her side. She was always ready to go out with friends, travel, or do anything on the spur of the moment. 

 Florence was easygoing and adventurous. Florence and Harold travelled extensively in the U.S., visiting many national parks, Hawaii, and Alaska. She enjoyed playing games with friends, catching up with family through Facebook, and preparing holiday meals.

 Florence and Harold moved to Fieldcrest Senior Living in Sheldon, Iowa, in 2023. They recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. Florence passed away from complications with heart failure on July 8, 2024. 

 Florence was preceded in death by her parents; two daughters: Mary (DeZeeuw) and Ellen (Strong); a granddaughter, Katie Marie DeZeeuw; a son-in-law, Lewis Strong; and her brother, Marvin Bultena. 

 She is survived by her husband, Harold (Sheldon, IA); her son, Glen (Ruth) Hammerstrom (Hartley, IA); and her daughter, Linda (Randal) Porter (Hospers, IA). Grandchildren include Kristi Strong (Craig) Talley (Denison, TX), Wendy Strong (Matthew) Wehner (Dayton, OH), Christopher (Sarah) Hammerstrom (Panora, IA), Sarah Hammerstrom (Des Moines, IA), Paul (Katie) Porter (Ames, IA), Holly Porter (Seth) Still (Fort Myers, FL), Jordan (Tabitha) DeZeeuw (Silver City, IA). 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.