Gerald J. Hammes

ROCHESTER - Gerald John Hammes (a.k.a. "Red"/"Jerry"), 73, a simple farm boy at heart, from Rochester, MN, joined the Lord May 31, 2011 at home surrounded by family. Dad, you were right- you caught the next train to glory. Born July 13, 1937 in LaCrosse, WI, the son of late Norbert and Marie Hammes. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Phyllis (Lindberg) Hammes; his children: Lisa (Michael) Monday of Loveland, CO; Dianne (Ananda) Hammes Ganguly of Claremont, CA; David Hammes of Rochester, MN; Cheryl (Scott) Runde of Gig Harbor, WA; Grandchildren: Shandra, Tristen, and Riplea Monday; Jackson and Piper Runde; Siblings: Norbert (Nancy) Hammes of Marquette, IA; Donald (Lorraine) Hammes of La Crosse, WI; Mary (Gene) Ostrem of Sparta, WI; Leonard (Carol) Hammes of Lakeland, FL; Mike (Sandy) Hammes of Holmen, WI; Jean (Jerry) Pierce of Great Falls, MT; and Jim (Jamie) Hammes of Ocala, FL.
Jerry served six years in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division. He married Phyllis (Lindberg) Hammes on February 16, 1963, in Minneapolis, MN. He owned and operated numerous automotive service stations in Rochester (most recently Jerry's Southside Auto) retiring in 2007. For more than 40 years, he and his wife have lovingly provided foster care to over 100 children. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and one hour preceding the memorial service at Evangel United Methodist Church, 2645 Broadway Ave North, Rochester, MN. The memorial service will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Evangel United Methodist Church, followed by a reception. Jerry donated his body to the Mayo Clinic Department of Anatomy.
Memorials are suggested to Evangel United Methodist Church or a charity of the donor's choice.