CLAFLIN — Alfred John Hammeke, 86, died Sept. 1, 2017, at Ellinwood District Hospital, Ellinwood. He was born March 21, 1931, at Claflin, the son of Joseph and Mary (Heinz) Hammeke.
Alfred married Linda Sue Simpson April 23, 1957, at Kansas City, Mo. A lifetime Claflin resident, Alfred was a longtime Barton County farmer. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, obtaining the rank of CPL, from April 1953 to May 1955.
He belonged to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Claflin, Ellinwood St. Joseph Council 1187 Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion, Hoisington. Alfred enjoyed hunting, fishing, pitch, and was a self-appointed “Lord of the Bottoms.” He also served as a volunteer for the Claflin police department and a bouncer at Kimbo’s.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Sue Hammeke, of the home; seven daughters, Kathy Hines and husband Daniel of Ellinwood, Anne Basgall and husband Alan of Hays, Margaret Frisbie and husband Richard of Claflin, Patty Sager and husband Geoff of Brighton, Colo., Loreen Leyshock and husband Brad of Littleton, Colo., Coreen Skaggs and husband Troy of Chapin, S.C., and Molly Stout and husband Richard of Littleton, Colo.; 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Norman Hammeke, Rev. Gerald Hammeke and Dennis Hammeke; and one sister, Geraldine Buehler.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Claflin. Vigil and Rosary Service will be at 7 p.m. Monday at the church with Father Terrence Klein, officiant. Interment will be at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Ellinwood, with Military Rites Conducted by Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday at the church. Memorial donations to the Sts. Peter and Paul Historical Fund may be sent in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home**
415 N. Main; P.O. Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 3, 2017
