Dearest husband to Gina and loving father to Susan Hammerschmidt, Cynthia (Matt) Hammerschmidt-Heimerdinger, Kristine (Tony) Monti, the late Stephen Hammerschmidt, Kurt Hammerschmidt and Erika (Chris) Schroeder.
Loving grandfather to Madison Monti, Anthony Monti, Ethan Monti and Luke Hammerschmidt. Great grandfather to Ellie Monti, Raegan Wyche, Maxwell Wyche and Devyn Wyche.
Bill was predeceased in death by his parents Mary Victorine and Walter W. Hammerschmidt, as well as his brother Thomas. He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Mary Mohl, John (Sue) Hammerschmidt, Cathy (Marc) Menteer, and Jim (Sue) Hammerschmidt, along with many nieces and nephews.
Bill was very proud of his South St. Louis ‘Scrubby Dutch' roots attending St. John the Baptist grade school followed by graduating from St. Mary’s High School, which created lifelong friendships with Vince Deiters, Charlie Kuehnel, Paul Skorski, Glenn Sartori, Greg Divis, Dave Reiter, Bill Diepenbrock and Ron DeGreeff. Bill truly enjoyed reminiscing about old high school days with all of you.
Bill continued his collegiate education earning a Masters of Arts and Business from Webster University and an MBA from Lindenwood University.
Bill was a self-made man, carving out a very successful career in sales starting with Texaco and winding his way into the commercial packaging industry. His gift of connecting with his customers made many of them friends.
He embraced the motto, “work hard play hard.” This was evident in his military and civilian career. Bill began his career as an enlisted soldier, which gave him the knowledge of starting from the bottom and working hard to move up the ranks, which would lead him to achieving the rank of Colonel in the Army Reserves. Bill created an environment of comradery. Annual training usually included softball games against other Reserve Units or the Active-Duty component, Christmas parties with Officers serving meals to soldiers, and Oktoberfest meals including an Opa’s Oompah band in the mess hall. Bill was also active in many military professional organizations.
The “play hard” mentality was also seen in wanting family and friends to get together for a meal or a reunion or a weekly Sunday dinner, which always included lots of food and a cocktail, two or three. Bill was always the host and always made sure people were laughing and having a good time, which usually led to great stories.
Bill loved being involved in his children’s activities, through supporting and volunteering at school activities, fundraising projects, PTO meetings, Father’s Clubs and Men’s Club. Out of all activities, Bill enjoyed coaching his children’s teams the most. If he was not coaching, he was always the loudest cheerleader in the crowd.
To our amazing friends:
Caren (Al) Squitieri, Ralph DesRoach, Herb Bauman and Patty Meyers, The Neskes, The Feslers, The Allmans, The Severinos, and Joe Gummersbach.
Here’s to all the meals we have shared, all the music we have listened to, and all the stories that were told which became richer over time.
May you start out your day with a laugh like the ones he found at our local McDonald’s with the “McGeezers” - The McCoy Boys, Denny Lober and Bob Morris. For the steady supply of oatmeal raisin cookies – thank you David. Brenda, thank you for keeping it light and always positive. And cheers to the rest of the gang Diana King, Bob Kraus, Joe Bozzi, Bill Rebia, Ron Scheller and Joe Frazetta. Finding that long lost brother Ken “Spike” McAdams was a pleasant surprise. And to all the other members of the McBreakfast Club which includes much of the restaurant. Martin, you and your crew are amazing people, thank you. And an extra special thank you to Jamie Eyrich, a friend of Bill’s for over 30 years.
May you find and keep friends that help smooth out the bumpy road of life. Fortune came Bill’s way to have so many friends who made the path smoother and life fuller.
A special thanks for LaFrances Butler and Jamar Banks from Caring Christians Private Duty and the BJC Hospice Team at Missouri Baptist.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Wounded Warrior Project, or charity of your choice.
Please leave a fond memory of Bill for his family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.
Visitation will be Monday, July 22nd at 10am at St.Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 15642 Clayton Rd, Ellisville 63011. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am. The interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery where military honors will be bestowed.
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