Eldon Paul Hammerschmidt

Mass of Christian Burial for Eldon Hammerschmidt, 82, of Marshall, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall.  Visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the church.  Interment will take place at St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery in Wabasso, MN, at a later date.  Military honors provided by U.S. American Legion Post 113 of Marshall.

Eldon Paul Hammerschmidt was born on February 11, 1941, in Redwood Falls, MN, to Joseph and Susan (Bernardy) Hammerschmidt.  He grew up in Wabasso and graduated from Wabasso High School.  Eldon enlisted and served in the U.S. Army.  On September 18, 1965, he was united in marriage to Virginia Zollner at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Wabasso.  The couple was married for over 50 years and later divorced in 2016.  To this union were born daughters Janell and Tiffany.  Eldon was a hard worker and held many jobs over the years.  He operated “Eldon’s Grocery” in Lucan, owned a meat locker in Vesta, worked for the Schwan Food Company in Marshall and worked for the City of Lucan. 

Eldon was a volunteer firefighter in Lucan and long-time member of the Lucan Lions. 

Eldon was a man of many talents.  He enjoyed playing cards, especially with family or friends.  He also enjoyed the outdoors including deer hunting, fishing or camping.  He loved music of all types and played the accordion.  In his younger years, he enjoyed playing baseball and softball.  Eldon also enjoyed telling a good story.  He didn’t necessarily embellish but he remembered big.  He was very proud of his daughters and granddaughter.

Eldon died on Sunday, February 19, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.  He is survived by daughter Janell (Jim) Randa of Harmony, MN, granddaughter Ginnie, daughter Tiffany (Jason) Kerr of Marshall, brothers Delbert Hammerschmidt, Virgil Hammerschmidt, Alois Hammerschmidt and Clifford (Barb) Hammerschmidt, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Susan and sisters-in-law Karen and Mary.