Vella Hammer

Vella Grace Bartz Hammer, age 97, of Alexandria, MN went to her heavenly home on December 20, 2010. Vella was born on April 30, 1913 in Austin, Minnesota the daughter of John and Ethel Flood Bartz graduating from Osakis High School. After high school Vella attended normal school for teachers training in Sauk Centre graduating in 1932. Vella taught in Round Prairie for three years and Browerville for three years. In June of 1940, Vella married Anton Hammer together the couple celebrated 57 years of marriage. To this union four children were born: Bill, Rosanne, Mary and Fred. The family lived their life in Alexandria. Vella was a homemaker and raised her children growing a huge vegetable and flower gardens along with baking, sewing and volunteering for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Association for retarded children, and serving her church home at St. Mary?s. A favorite pastime was reading, reciting poetry, quilting and crocheting. Vella had a strong faith and nurtured her family with strong faith beliefs, values and work ethic. Her grandchildren enjoyed her homemade bread and dill pickles and stories of her growing up years near Osakis. In the past 10 years Vella had many friends at her residence at Bethany Community with wonderful caregivers. Mrs. Hammer is survived by three children: Bill (Darlene) Hammer, Rosanne (Dennis) Westrom, Mary (Ken) Hansen-Stellmacher; seven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tony; son, Fred; parents: John & Ethel Bartz, siblings: Ina Stoeckel, Mayme Hansen, Sylvia Peacock,Wilbert Bartz and son-in-law: Vaughn Hansen. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, December 28, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary?s Catholic Church in Alexandria with Rev. Steve Binsfeld officiating. Pallbearers were her grandchildren Trevor Westrom, Torrey Westrom, Trista Stamness, Tarah Aanerud, Christian Hansen, Amber Johannes, Dana Hammer. Honorary Pallbearers were her great grandchildren. Burial was at St. Mary?s Cemetery in Alexandria, MN. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net