A quote from the autobiography of Louis Hammer:

"My first memory is my mother relating to me about my difficult birth. It would be considered so even by today's standards. The roads were muddy and it took the doctor three hours to get there by horse and buggy. Without going into the details except to say I was very blue and made a sound like a mewing kitten. I wasn't expected to live, the Doctor telling my father "it is my priority to save the mother." My Grandma Westmoreland who was the doctor's self made nurse and midwife took charge of me saying "This little fellow is going to make it." I was always reminded that I was their most expensive baby costing $40."

Louis attended country school then Pocahontas High School and graduated in 1938.

He was inducted into the Army August 11, 1942 and served until 1945. He was a member of the 195 self-propelled anti-aircraft battalion. He served in England, France, Germany and Holland. In 1985 he and Jeri visited son Phil who was working in Europe and were able to visit families he had met while he was in the service. Army stories of events and buddies made walking beans very entertaining.

Louie met Jeri Peterson when he took his sister back to Buena Vista College, She suggested he take Jeri to a movie. After coming home he wrote her a letter and she replied, "I was surprised and delighted to hear from you." He continued to surprise and delight her for 73 years.

Louie had a business card printed that said farmer, speaker and actor. He farmed until he was 99 on the place his folks bought when he was in high school. If he had a spare minute he could be found in the fields pulling a stray weed.

He was asked to be a speaker at events such as wrestling banquets, church senior breakfasts and Heritage Days.

He was in his 60's when he started his acting career with the Princess City Players. His last play was a two man play called "Visiting Mr. Green." He played an 83 year old Jewish man and he was 83. He also made his singing debut (all eight measures) in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,"

He and Jeri were able to take trips visiting family and friends and he hiked the Grand Canyon three times. The last time in 2003, was a three generation hike with kids and grandkids joining him.

Age 99 was tough, He lost Jeri, had his gallbladder removed, broke his arm and dealt with Covid 19 lockdown. But as he said, "We will get through this."

He moved to Arlington Place mainly to avoid chopping wood for the furnace, He enjoyed playing bingo and corn hole, feeding the birds, sharing stories and teasing the aides,

He died April 14, 2023 at the age of 103. He donated his body to Des Moines University where he was sure students would say "I can't believe he was 103." Sometimes doctors are wrong and grandmothers know best.

Louie is survived by sister Mary Lou Johnson, brother-in-law Ralph (Dottie) Peterson and sister-in-law Doris Peterson.

Six children: Connie (Bob) Dallenbach, Denny (Joan) Hammer, Steve (Nita) Hammer, Bruce (Sue) Hammer, Rob (Kathy) Hammer and Phil (Tina) Hammer.

Grandchildren Shannon (Steve) Kalb, Stevie (Chuka) Ifeanyi, Tiffany (Brian) Hill, Krista Hammer, Morgan (Brian) Fleming, Chad Hemann, Holly (Jeff) Lathrop, Brooke Taylor, Bailee (Justin) Greaves , Laura (Chris) Luley, Lissa (Nick) Lubbers, Melanie Milazzo, Shane (Maria) Milazzo, NiCole McClain, Amanda (Doug) Guyer, Trent Hammer, Anna (Donny) Bedard, Joe (Celia) Goodman, Sally (Samuel) Hand, Victor Hammer and Reese Hammer.

Great grandchildren Tae Kalb, Liam and Eli Ifeanyi, Mica and Nico Hill, Edison Fleming, Noah, Izaiah and Jordyn Lathrop, Kinslee Leudtke, Lily and Laynie Luley, Ally, Gabby and Lacy Lubbers, Luke Hulin, Amber and Steve Milazzo, Nora and Nell McClain, Elyse, Wyatt and Monty Guyer, D.J. and Nathan Bedard and Graham Goodman.

He was preceded in death by his wife Jeri, parents Louis and Mary Hammer, brothers and sister-in-laws Walter and Clara Hammer, Herbert and Thelma Hammer, Mervin and Helen Hammer, Harry Hammer, sisters and brother-in-laws LuVerne and Vern Danielson, Dorothy and Milton Olson, Bessie and Lester Zemke, LauraBelle and Bob McConnell and brother-in-law Norman Johnson.

Anyone who knew Louie and his choice of wardrobe knows that "overall" he had a great life.