Obituary for Edwin Earl Hemker

Edwin Earl Hemker, 93 of West Salem, died March 4, 2021 at Benedictine Living, LaCrosse with his family at his side. He was born July 10, 1927 in the Town of Burns to John and Ida (Berg) Hemker. On October 19, 1957 he married Elberta Lash at Christ Lutheran Church in Burr Oak. Ed served his country as a motor mechanic in the Korean conflict from September 1952 to August 1954 and earned two bronze service stars while in Korea. He continued to serve, state side, for an additional 6 years as a reservist. Ed worked as a heavy machine operator for Overgaard/Mathy Construction for over 40 years until retirement. He then worked as the custodian at Christ Lutheran Church in West Salem for several years. He was a lifelong member of the West Salem Rod and Gun Club and served on the Board of Directors. He was also a member of West Salem American Legion, Post 51. Survivors include his wife Elberta: son Richard (Mary) of LaCrosse, daughter Debra (Rick) Adams of Sparta; son Dave (Angie) of West Salem; Grandchildren Taylor and Tanner, Michael, Kyle, Jordan, Emily, Abby and Anna; Brother-in-law Harlan (Barb) Lash; sister-in-laws Janice Lash and Mary Hemker; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers; Walter (Arlene), Charles (Joyce), Herbert, Ray (Donna), and Eldor, Sisters; Elsie and Dorothy (Merle) Solberg. Brother-in-law Vilas Lash, Sister-in-laws; Winifred (Wilmer) Huber and Audrey (Ronald) Baumbach. A private graveside service and burial will be at the Christ Lutheran Cemetery on March 11, 2021 in West Salem. Pastor Galen Rediger and Pastor Don Freilitz will officiate. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Jostad Chapel, West Salem is handling the arrangements. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Gundersen Medical Center and the nurses at Benedictine as well as the West Salem First Responders for the excellent care. Ed will be greatly missed.