ELLINWOOD — Vernon Hammeke, 84, passed away at the Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita, Kan. on Jan. 10, 2019. Born on Nov. 18, 1934, he was the son of David and Frances (Sprinker) Hammeke. After attending St. Joseph’s Catholic grade school and later Ellinwood High School, Vernon joined the United States Army and served his country from 1957-1959. He later married Louise Penka on May 2, 1964, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Great Bend, Kan.  

Vernon was a lifetime Ellinwood resident where he worked as a farmer and cattleman. Memberships include St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and American Legion Post #320 as well as 50+ years of service through the Knights of Columbus. 

Survivors include wife, Louise Hammeke; sons, Mark (Lori) and Mathew (Amy) Hammeke; brothers, Robert (Bernadine) Hammeke and Richard (Shirley) Hammeke; sisters, Ethel Ringwald, Alice Fountain, Eleanor Bauer and in-laws Angie Hammeke, Bob (Carol) Penka, and Mary Whitson. Other survivors include five grandchildren, Sarah, Erin, Alex, Monica, and Nathan. Mr. Hammeke was preceded in death by sisters, Bernice Bryant, Kathleen Dauber; and brother, Keith Hammeke.  

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father Terrance Klein officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood. Visitation will be Monday, Jan. 14 from 1-6 p.m. at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood with the vigil service beginning at 7 p.m. that evening at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph’s Living Legacy Fund or Donor’s Choice in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences to the family may be posted at www.minnischapel.org.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel 

P.O. Box 246 

Ellinwood, KS 67526

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 13, 2019