Woodrow Woody Hamers

Woodrow Mathias "Woody" Hamers, 95, Bismarck, ND, passed away peacefully at Elm Crest Manor in New Salem, ND, on August 6, 2012. Services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, August 9, at Parkway Funeral Service Chapel, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Wednesday, August 8, at Elm Crest Manor in New Salem, and from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm Wednesday, August 8, at Parkway Funeral Service, where a prayer service will begin at 7:30 pm. Woody was born near Orrin, ND, to Henry "Harry" and Alvina Weigelt Hamers. He was baptized on July 28, 1917, at St. Francis Xavier Church. He attended school and graduated from the eighth grade in Drake, ND. On October 15, 1938, Woody married his lifelong sweetheart, Emma Rauschenberger. World War II brought Woody and Emma to Bremerton, WA, where Woody worked in the shipyards. Upon their return to Drake, he worked a dray line with his stepfather, Harry Billings. Woody later began employment with the Soo Line Railroad, where he continued working until retirement in 1980. In 1978, his railroad work brought about a move to Harvey, ND, where he and Emma also managed the Americana Motel until his retirement from the railroad. In 1982, Woody and Emma moved to Bismarck to be near family and make new friends, and became faithful members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Some of Woody's achievements were working as a mason at the Peace Gardens as well as being a member of the Drake Volunteer Fire Department. Although sometimes a little rough around the edges, Woody was a hard worker, had a heart of gold, and everyone he met was a friend. In his spare time, Woody enjoyed many sports, including hunting, fishing, and playing baseball, as well as he and Emma were avid fans of Twins baseball and rarely missed watching them play when games were televised. Following the death of Emma in 2010, Woody resided at Edgewood Vista in Bismarck until May 2011, when he moved to Elm Crest Manor in New Salem. He was known as "a favorite" at both places, and enjoyed his time in these homes very much. Woody will be missed by family and friends, as well as by the residents at Elm Crest, where he was very happy and received excellent care. Woody is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Darrell McQuay, Bismarck; two grandchildren, Scott Wendy McQuay, Mandan, and Suzan Terry Buetow, Bismarck; six great-grandchildren, Chelsey and Zachary McQuay, Kyle, Breanna, and Taylor Roth, and Alyssa Buetow; two step-great grandchildren, Ashley and Chelsea Buetow; one sister-in-law, Ruth Rauschenberger, Minot; one brother-in-law, Ken Krause, Fargo; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gilbert and Lu Rauschenberger, Bismarck; and numerous nieces and nephews. Woody was preceded in death by his wife; parents; sisters, Gloria Krause and Joyce Schmalz; brothers, Duane Hamers and Harvey Billings; and one grandson, Christopher McQuay.

Woodrow Woody Hamers

July 10, 1917 - August 6, 2012