Joseph Frank Hammerschmith

Joseph Frank Hammerschmith was born in Tacoma, WA on June 1, 1942. Joe, 80, passed at home on January 18, 2023. He was preceded in death by his father, George Joseph Hammerschmith; his mother, Edna Miller Hales; his sister, Georgalee Wheeler; and his first wife, Pamela Janice. His is survived by his current wife of 23 years, Terry; two sons, Joseph Anthony and Tracy Raymond (Angelina); a step-daughter, Joie Lear (Douglas); and two step-sons, Joshua and Jacob Bilski. Joe has two granddaughters, Chelsea and Amanda. Joe also has two step-grandsons, Alexander and JD Lear.

Joe attended St. Martin’s High School in Lacey and graduated in 1960. He also took several business classes at TCC in Tacoma.

Joe worked in the lumber industry all of his life, beginning at the Hammerschmith Lumber Company in Yelm. He went to work at the C&H Wood Products Company. He worked as a yard foreman at West Coast Door until it closed and then spent time at Fred Tebb and Sons until retirement.

Joe had a great love for customized cars. He was a member of the Topper’s Car Club for many years. One of his favorite activities was Wednesday night Garage night. Many “car” guys would gather to eat and drink and discuss all the news about cars.

Joe was also active in the Tacoma Lumberman’s Club and the Tacoma-Olympia Hoo-Hoo Club #89. The International Hoo-Hoo holds a yearly convention at a different location every September. The Convention was always a special treat for Joe to attend.

Joe was a season ticket holder for the Husky football games. He was forced to give that up due to illness, but he never missed a game.

Services will be held on Monday, February 6th at 11:00am at St. John of the Woods Church, 9903 24th Avenue East, Tacoma, WA 98445. There will be a reception immediately following. 

Donations in Joe's memory may be made to the Eastside Boys & Girls Club.

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