John F. Hamdorf

AITKIN -- John F. Hamdorf, 79, Aitkin, died Sunday, April 20, 2003, at St. Lucas Care Center in Faribault.

He was born Dec. 12, 1923, in Deerwood to Fred and Dora (Scharrer) Hamdorf. He attended schools in Crow Wing County, graduating from Aitkin High School in 1941. He joined the Army and served with the Co. L 359th Infantry as a corporal. He received the Purple Heart in the Battle of the Bulge, the Good Conduct Ribbon, the American Theatre Ribbon and the EAME Theatre Ribbon with two bronze stars. He married Bernice Davis on Sept. 10, 1949, in Omaha, Neb. He worked for Wold Implement from 1947-1969 at which time he and Vernon Nienow and Woody Boyer purchased the company. It was operated as Aitkin Implement until selling it in 1982. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, was a church treasurer and deacon of the Men's Club and Bible study.

Survivors include a daughter, Phyllis Battles, Morristown; two sons, Douglas, Duluth, and David, Festus, Mo.; four grandchildren; and a brother, Bill, Deerwood.

His wife; a daughter, Diane; and a sister, Emma Wedel, died earlier.

Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Aitkin with Pastor David Becker officiating. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by Aitkin VFW Post No. 1727 and the Aitkin American Legion Post No. 86.

Friends may call from 5-7 p.m. Saturday with prayers at 7 p.m. at Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and an hour before services Sunday at the church.