Edward Hemmelman

Edward Wayne Hemmelman, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, was born at home September 16, 1934 in Winona. He died peacefully at home on Sunday, June 19, 2016.

Ed was a lifelong Winona resident. He graduated from Cotter High School in 1952. Shortly thereafter, he began his career at Fiberite, where he remained for 41 years, eventually becoming Head of Research and Development in the Aerospace Division. He was justifiably proud of the contributions he and his company made to the space program.

Ed married Emilie Louise Dambach on November 3, 1962. Together they raised six children at their home in Goodview.
In his earlier years, Ed enjoyed playing fast pitch softball. At age 40 he took up golf and he enjoyed many years of roaming the fairways of Westfield with his Thursday Five O'clock League partner, Jim Zaborowski. He also enjoyed bowling and taking his kids hunting and fishing.

Ed retired in 1992. He and Emmy made many driving trips out west over the years. He also served as Charitable Gambling Manager of the Elks Club for 10 years, a job he performed with his customary diligence and careful attention to detail.
Ed stayed loyal to his home state teams - the Twins, Vikings, and Gophers, enjoying their occasional successes and enduring patiently (mostly) their more frequent struggles.
Special family memories include the annual camping excursions, trips to Twins games, Saturday night steak, and the big 4th of July celebrations in the back yard.

Ed is survived by his wife of 53 years, Emmy; their six children and 11 grandchildren: Jeff (Pat) and children James, John, and Anna ; Ed Jr. (Kelly) and children Kendra, Ed III, and Ethan; Tim (Sandi Robinson) and son David; Brenda (Ken) Carpenter and daughters Kristina and Sarah; Steve; and Sherrie (Tom Berg) and daughters Morgan and Maddie; and many nieces and nephews.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Etta, and siblings Clarence, Harold, Mary, and Helen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a charity of choice.

The family would like to thank the staff at Gundersen Hospital for the exemplary care they provided for Ed these past five years. Special thanks also to Winona Health Hospice Care for their efficiency and compassion.
It was Ed's fervent wish to come home for his final days. While there he professed his belief in Jesus. Praise God that Ed has gone to his final Home in heaven. We look forward to seeing him there.

Visitation will be Sunday June 26 from 3-6 PM with a memorial service Monday, June 27 at 11 AM at Hoff Celebration of Life Center. Please leave a memory and view his tribute video when it becomes available at hofffuneral.com.