Harold E Hammerstrom

Harold Elmore Hammerstrom was born April 7, 1927, at the home farm 3 miles south of Davis, SD, 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 7 years, then attended another nearby country school as an 8th 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 WWII 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 – Sept. 23, 1997), Glen Alan (Aug. 9, 1951), Linda Gail Porter (Jan. 27, 1955), and Mary Angela De Zeeuw (Feb. 10, 1956 – Nov. 16, 2013). 

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

Harold received his undergraduate college education at Gen. Beadle State Teachers College in Madison, SD, and his master’s degree at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. He accepted a teaching position in Linn Grove, IA, 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, IA, for his career. Harold earned his PhD 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 at Fieldcrest from complications of cancer on October 3, 2024, 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 (Hartley, IA); and his 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.