Roy William Hammerstrom, age 92, of Harris, Minn., died on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2006 at Green Acres Country Care Center in North Branch, Minn.

Roy was born April 5, 1914 on the family farm near Harris and was the son of Markus and Helga (Lundeen) Hammerstrom. He was baptized and confirmed at the First Lutheran Church of Harris where he was a lifelong member. Roy attend District No. 52 fish Lake School where he completed grades first through eighth.

Roy married Doris Fredin on June 14, 1941, and this union three children were born: Judy, Ronald and Nancy. Doris, Ron, and Nancy preceded Roy in death. When Ron was killed in Viet Nam while serving as a Green Beret, Roy became a Gold Star father. He felt very honored to be a Gold Star father and displayed his God Star proudly. Roy was especially appreciative of being recognized by the Harris American Legion Post #139.

In his younger years, Roy was a very active church member. A good example is his organization of the First Lutheran Church of Harrisí congregation serving the East Central Electric dinner in Cambridge, Minn.

Royís main passion was farming, however, when it became obvious that the small farmer could not make ends meet, he went to work outside of farming. In 1951 he started employment at the New Brighton arsenal for eight years. Then in 1959, Roy worked on several construction jobs for about two and one-half years that included St. Bonifacious, Cambridge, Columbia Heights, Lino Lakes, and Forest Lake. He worked at Honeywell in the maintenance department from 1962 to 1969. At that time he started employment at Cambridge Schools, retiring from there at age 62. Through the many years he was employed off the farm, Roy always continued farming. Although in later years it became more of ìhobbyî farming.

Roy loved to dance and at one time was considered to be one of the best dancers in Chisago County. He also enjoyed traveling and could tell many stories. Another big favorite was chatting about the good ìoleî days and talking to people on any topic. He just plain enjoyed PEOPLE!

Roy is survived by his daughter, Judy Hammerstrom of Minneapolis, Minn.; sisters-in-law Lucy Fredin of Rush Point, Minn., Ramona Fredin of Prior Lake, Minn., and Millie Gamer of Rush City, Minn.; eight nieces and nephews; one great niece of Wisconsin; one great nephew of New Hampshire; many other relatives, a multitude of friends and some very special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Markus and Helga Hammerstrom, his wife Doris, daughter Nancy, son Ronald, and his brothers Gilbert and Alton Hammerstrom.

Funeral service was 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, at the First Lutheran Church of Harris with the Reverend Michael Likens officiating. Jon Ekstrom was the soloist and was accompanied by Anita Ryberg. Casket bearers were Kenneth Holmstrom, Lyle Holmstrom, Glen Holmstrom, David Anderson, Willard Moline and Craig Moline. Interment was at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Harris. Arrangements were entrusted to the Olson Chapel, Funeral & Cremation Service, Rush City, Minn.

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