Ralph E. Hammer, 85, of rural Tiffin, passed away Sunday, June 3, 2012, at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo.
He was born Oct. 28, 1926, in Kansas, Ohio, to Lewis and Theresa (Depinet) Hammer. He married Luella B. Kern March 15, 1948, in Angola, Ind.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Luella; three sons, Butch (Barb) Hammer of Findlay, Ralph (Choe) Hammer of Tucson, Ariz., and Gary (Mary) Hammer of Vail, Ariz.; a daughter, Lois (Tom) Shultz of Risingsun; a brother, Richard Hammer of Tiffin; seven grandchildren, Mark and Lisa Hammer, Joseph Hammer, Gary Hammer II, Doug Shultz, Fred Hammer and Angela DuBois; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
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Mr. Hammer
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Joseph James Hammer; grandson, Jeffrey Shultz; seven brothers, Larry, Anthony, Edward, John, Garold "Jim," Charles and Franklin; and three sisters, Mary Tiell, Lucille Burdette and Matilda Nye.
Ralph served in the United States Army Air Corp. in World War II servicing planes and vehicles. He served in the Pacific Theater. He managed the Maple Grove Elevator for Tiffin Farmers for 32 years. He farmed his entire life and enjoyed woodworking. Ralph loved playing with all the grandkids and great-grandkids.
A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 8, 2012, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Bascom, with the Rev. Frank Murd officiating. Burial will follow at St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery with military honors being conducted by the United Veterans Council.
Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, June 7 at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-2424. A rosary will be prayed at 8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
Letters of condolence may be sent and the guest book signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.
