Leo Frank Hammrich

Leo F. Hammrich passed away peacefully on Friday May 6, 2016 surrounded by his loving and grateful family in the comfort of his home. Born in Ipswich South Dakota on August 8, 1932 to Jacob Josef and Mary Ann Hammrich, Leo was one of eleven children. Leo was raised on a farm and spent many hours working hard to help his family. Growing up he enjoyed baseball, basketball, football, track and gardening. He continued his education and graduated from South Dakota State University in 1956 with a degree in Dairy/Chemistry. Leo served honorably in the U.S. Army where he was relocated to Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington. It was there that he met the love of his life Joan Hebert at the USO dance in Lakewood. This would be the dance that they danced together for the rest of their lives. Leos heart was large. He believed in hard work and never giving up. Joan and Leo were married in October of 1959 at St. Anns Catholic Church in Tacoma, Washington. Shortly thereafter their marriage, they relocated to Seattle where he began his career as Lead Foreman at Arden Farms. Leo led a full and adventurous life. His smile was bright enough to fill the room. Leos other opportunities included Production Manager of Frederick and Nelsons Ice Cream Division his children enjoyed visiting him on the day the Champagne flavor was being made as they were allowed to help pop the corks. Leo and Joan were always very much entrepreneurs purchasing apartment complexes as a business as well as Mobile Steam Carpets. Leo and his wife Joan have celebrated 43 years as members of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in North East Seattle. Leo was also a longstanding member of the American Legion, The Elks Club and VFW. In his spare time, Leo loved to travel with his wife. His favorite places were Hawaii, Alaska and Cruising around the Pacific. His other hobbies included camping, clamming and gardening. His true joys were his grandchildren and he enjoyed spending time with all of them. Leo is survived by his adoring wife of 56 years, Joan Hammrich; his six children Gregory, Louise, Mark, Richard, Anthony and Tammy; and his 11 grandchildren which he truly adored; Kyle (Mark), Kaleigh, Heather and Brooke (Richard), Jacob and Edward (Anthony) and Tony, Jason, Shawna, Justice, and Carson (Tammy). Leo was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He lived a life honoring the love of family. His strength and courage will not be forgotten by anyone. Leos Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday May 12, 2016 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Rosary will be starting at 10:30 a.m. Funeral beginning at 11:00 a.m. with reception to follow. The address to the church is 8900 35th Ave NE in Seattle, Washington 98115. Burial at 2:00 p.m. Holyrood Catholic Cemetery, Shoreline.