Lovetta Faye Hammer (90), of Bemidji, Minnesota, died Saturday, March 16th surrounded by her family.
Lovetta Faye was born July 9, 1933, their only child, to Albert and Elda Gehrke of Adams, ND. She grew up on the farm milking cows by hand and tending crops; this is where her grit and work ethic were cemented. She attended a one-room schoolhouse and, in 1952, was one of four graduates from Adams High School.
After graduation, Lovetta headed south to continue her education at Concordia College. A fall handshake mixer- the story goes- is where Faye met her future husband, Donald Hammer. Much like speed dating, Don- a smart man- kept circling around for another handshake. This was the beginning of their great 64-year love story. Don and Faye married July 25, 1954.
The couple moved to New Mexico where Don was in the Army and Faye taught school. After a stint in Fosston, Don and Faye moved to Bemidji, MN. They would make this their forever home.
Mrs. Hammer is remembered by many as their librarian at Lincoln Elementary School. Her love of books and memorable reading voice enticed many of her students to become lifelong readers. Later, she would become the high school librarian at Park Rapids High School.
Her great loves were dancing with Don to “The Shades of Soul” at Jack’s Supper Club, feeling the tug of a walleye on her line while fishing on Lake of the Woods, or getting a hole in one while golfing.
Faye was a master gardener and consummate entertainer. What a fabulous marriage of talents. Lucky was the couple that received a “Fayemous Foods” recipe book for their wedding gift!
Faye believed in hard work, dressing for success, and serving others. She had an aptitude for public speaking and loved her role as liturgist at First Lutheran Church. She was a true lady. She believed a woman could do anything a man could do- and did. She was the trailer backer upper, the wood stacker, the boat navigator, and fish cleaner. She believed a dog on a lap made everything better.
She embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit, and unending honor that was shown in her care for Don.
Faye and Don lived the best of lives: great friends, great adventures, and a great love. It’s a beautiful thought that they are dancing together again.
Faye is survived by her three daughters: Colette (Robert) Erickson, Hayden Lake ID; Larae (Roger-deceased) Peterson, Reardan, WA; and Darcee (Curtis) Kissler Haynes, Fruita, CO; seven grandchildren, and many great grandchildren.
Lovetta Faye was preceded in death by her parents, and husband Don (2016).
Services will be held at First Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 11th at 1:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the First Lutheran Church of Bemidji, MN can be made in Lovetta Faye Hammer’s name.
A special thanks to the staff at Colleen’s Caring Hands for their exceptional attention and love. You are the model for “take good care.”