Edmund L. Hansmeyer, 86, of Crete, died Thursday, December 19, 2002.

He was born April 11, 1916 near Norman, Oklahoma to August and Wilhelmina (Frevert) Hansmeyer. He was one of 11 children. Pastor Reno Jesky baptized Edmund at Trinity Lutheran Church in Norman, Oklahoma on May 7, 1916. He was confirmed by Pastor A.O. Fuhrbringer at Trinity Lutheran Church in Norman on May 24, 1931. He graduated from Norman High School in Norman, Oklahoma. Edmund married LaVerna Meinke on January 20, 1944 at the St. John Lutheran Church parsonage with Pastor William Pebler officiating. He lived most of his adult life in the Crete and Kramer area, working first for the Pacific Railroad, then for Mr. Tuttle at the International Harvester dealership in Crete. He then went into business for himself as a mechanic. During most of this time he farmed while also doing much custom hay bailing and custom combining. He farmed until he was 80 years old.

Edmund was a member of St. John Lutheran Church for 58 years and served his church family by serving on many boards and committees. Edmund loved singing and was a part of the church choir until about two years ago. He also loved farming and gardening. He farmed the church ground for many years.

He is survived by his wife, LaVerna; sons and daughters-in-law, Eldean and Diane Hansmeyer, Roy and Judi Hansmeyer, and Wayne and Connie Hansmeyer, all of rural Hallam, Norman Hansmeyer of Winfield, Iowa and special friend, Lois Bartelme of Coralville, Iowa; ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, brother Otto Hansmeyer of Norman, Oklahoma; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers and six sisters.

Funeral services were December 23 at St. John Lutheran Church, Kramer, with Pastor John Heckmann officiating. Interment was in St. John Lutheran Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Chris Hansmeyer, Wes Hansmeyer, David Hansmeyer, Jared Hansmeyer, Lukas Hansmeyer, and Roger Johnson. Honorary pallbearers were Josh Cooley, Rodney Hillgren, Tyler Morten, Roger and Ellie Koch, Jason Meyer, Wilmer and Donna Johnson, Marilyn Nast, Ron Feeken, and Marie Wohl.

Kuncl Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Memorials are to St. John Lutheran Church.

Source: The Crete News, January 1, 2003