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Submitted: 9/22/24 • Approved: 9/24/24 • Last Updated: 9/27/24 • R276202-G276202-S3
Charles "Charlie" C Hemmer
October 28, 1942 - June 19, 2023
Charles “Charlie” C. Hemmer, age 80, of Sioux Falls, SD passed away on Monday, June 19, 2023. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Friday, June 23, 2023 at Holy Spirit Parish, Sioux Falls. Visitation with family present will be at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls from 4:00-6:00 PM, Thursday, June 22, 2023 with a Liturgical Wake and Holy Rosary to begin at 6:00 PM.
Charlie grew up on the family farm located a mile south of Lone Tree. He attended Gale Ridge country school and later graduated from Egan High School. From there, he achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture from South Dakota State University.
Upon completing his degree, he moved to Sioux Falls. He married the love of his life, Betty Harms on October 3, 1970. They celebrated 52 happy years together. Charlie was hired by the City of Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation Department during this time as well. His horticulture degree became very important in his new role as City Forester. During his last few years with the Park Department prior to retirement, he was instrumental in the revitalization of Falls Park during the 1990’s.
Upon retiring from the City, he couldn’t contain his love of trees and other plants. He shared his knowledge with future generations as an Instructor of Horticulture at Southeast Technical Institute. He also took a job at Oak Ridge Nursery in Brandon, SD, and cherished his time there caring for plants, helping customers, and sharing his knowledge with anyone who had questions.
As Charlie got a little older and slowed down a bit, he maintained his own yard with a vegetable garden, flower beds, and various trees. He took great pride in his landscaping and encouraged or advised his neighbors and family to do the same. He spent his other free time cheering on his favorite sports teams. As an avid Minnesota Vikings, Twins, and Loons soccer fan, he never lost faith and took every opportunity to watch a game. His other passion was also trying new cuisines at restaurants or even attempting recipes himself as a talented home cook.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Charlie coached youth soccer as his boys grew up. Becoming a soccer referee helped him understand the rules better and he became a better coach. He was a mentor for his sons as a Boy Scout Master. These were perfect ways to spend time with his family while teaching them valuable lessons and showing how much he loved each and every one of them.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Betty Hemmer of Sioux Falls, SD; five sons, Patrick (Jennifer) Hemmer of Springfield, IL, Michael Hemmer of Sioux Falls, SD, Timothy Hemmer of Lincoln, NE, Mark Hemmer of Sioux Falls, SD, Shane (Audra) Hemmer of Sioux Falls, SD; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Jerry (Bonnie) Hemmer of Dell Rapids, SD; and other relatives and friends.
Contributed on 9/22/24 by 9katz
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Record #: 276202