Obituary: Frances M. Hammer

Frances M. Hammer

Frances M. Hammer, 84 of Jamestown, N.D., passed away on Thursday morning, April 25, 2024, at Edgewood Senior Living, Jamestown, in the loving care of her family, JRMC Hospice and Edgewood staff.

Frances Marie, one of twelve children born to George and Mary (Warmsbecker) Bachmeier, was born on June 1, 1939, on the family farm in Orrin, N.D. Fran was raised on the family farm and later moved to New Rockford to attend the Catholic school.

Fran loved living on the family farm and playing with her siblings. She told many stories of the adventures she and her twin brother, Frank, had on the farm. Fran especially had a love for the animals on the farm. Her love for animals carried through her entire life.

Fran was united in marriage to Richard (Dick) Hammer on July 7, 1959, in New Rockford, N.D. They lived in New Rockford, Carrington, and Mitchell, S.D., before moving to Jamestown in the early 1960s, which remained her main residence for the rest of her life.

Fran and Dick also had a cabin on the shores of Devils Lake, where they spent countless summers enjoying the lake, friends and family, and the outdoors. Fran was an avid gardener. She had vegetable and flower gardens, and she loved making salsa for her family with her own vegetables.

Fran's love of animals continued through her life. At the lake, she had countless bird and squirrel feeders. The hummingbirds would follow her into the house. There was a deer "Lily" that loved eating Oreos out of her hand. Lily continued to visit Fran for over eight years and would even bring her fawns into the yard.

Fran and Dick also had a country home in Arizona, where they spent many winters. Again, the desert animals realized Fran's unique ability to connect with them, including the local hummingbirds that would hover and wait for her to fill their feeders.

Fran was one of the most caring and selfless persons one could ever meet. She always put the needs of others before herself. Even in her last years, she would tell Edgewood staff that they should take a nap and get something to eat. In her mind, she was taking care of staff instead of the other way around.

Fran was a devoted wife, mom and grandma. Fran knew the way to a person's heart was through food. She was a wonderful cook and baker. She loved hosting holidays for her family and hosting them at the lake cabin. She always had fresh cookies, cake and other baked goodies on her counter, ready to share with loved ones. Fran made sure nobody left her house hungry.

Fran loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was the most loving and caring grandma, and she always had a twinkle in her eye when she was with them.

Fran is survived by her children, Ray (Michelle) Hammer and Merri (Jeff) Mooridian; grandchildren, Bryce Neva, Michael Mooridian and Chelsi (Jory Schalesky) Mooridian; two great-grandchildren, Max and Rose; one sister, Mary Nokleby and many nephews and nieces.

Fran was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; son, William (Bill); parents; brothers, John, George, Richard, Jim and Frank and sisters, Phyllis Duchscherer, Rose Kraft, Elenora Knoll, Helen Christianson and a sibling in infancy.

In remembrance of Fran's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or St. John's Catholic Cemetery, New Rockford, ND.

Visitation was held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 29, 2024, at Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown. The prayer service was at 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 29 at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 30 at St. John's Catholic Church, New Rockford, N.D., with Father Reese Weber, celebrant. Burial was at St. John's Cemetery, New Rockford.

Arrangements by Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown, N.D.