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Joyce Hammersmith, a community servant, history and science buff, passed away February 23rd, 2017 at 86 years young.

“Donny” was born August 21, 1930 in Denver, Colorado to Arnold and Amelia (Tombarge) Hammersmith. At age four, this hard working owner of Hammersmith Plumbing moved to North Dakota, where he lived happily for 82 years until moving to Hannaford, North Dakota in October 2017 where he peacefully “retired” among friends.

A life fully lived; Donny was confirmed in the Dazey United Methodist Church and graduated from Dazey High School in 1949. A veteran, he served in the Korean Conflict; he was stationed in Alaska and Labrador from 1952 to 1954. Serving proudly he always said, with just one eye!

He was an active member of the Dazey American Legion (Post Commander) and Dazey Cemetery Board. Donny was known to make wooden white crosses for Memorial Day remembrances.

Donny had many interests: steam threshers, North Dakota Winter Show, roller skating, and building various small models from blue prints of trains and planes. At the time of his death he was building a replica of a plane owned by the Bryn Family of Dazey. Passionate about being a great friend and was to many, he enjoyed daily coffee with the guys at the Hannaford Cafe.

Donny leaves behind his many friends, past patrons, his sister and brother-in-law Darlene and Esley Short, nephew Ty, daughter and son in-law Charlene and Bruce Gannarelli, grandchildren Daniel and Corey Gannarelli (Britany and Genevieve), nephew Neal Swenson, and Donny’s California family. He will be welcomed home by his parents, sister Delores, brother-in-law Ole, son Ronald, special friend Edna, special friends Mr. and Mrs. Cal Vincent, ex-wife Donna, and extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 4th at Dazey Lutheran Church at 10:30 a.m., with viewing one hour prior to service. A burial with military honors is scheduled for May 1st in the Dazey cemetery. Funeral arrangements are by Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City.  You may visit an online guestbook for Donny at www.olivernathanchapel.com.