Nora Jean Hammerschmidt

Nora Jean Hammerschmidt, 86, of Plainville, passed away surrounded by loved ones on May 11, 2025, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville.

She was born on December 5, 1938, in Hays, Kansas, to Phillip Sr. and Ludwina (Dinkel) Rohr. Nora grew up in Hays and married the love of her life, Ernest "Ernie" J. Hammerschmidt, on May 12, 1956. Together, they built a life full of hard work and cherished memories, raising six children: Roger, Gene, Cheryl, Marchelle, Ernie Jr., and Lenee.

Her dedication to family and business marked Nora's journey through life. She began as a homemaker, then worked at H&H Well Service, Travenol, and later in real estate, before joining her husband in managing their business, Hammerschmidt Fishing Tools, from which she eventually retired.

She was a proud member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and a devoted Sacred Heart Catholic Church member. Nora found joy in reading, coin collecting, and investing in land, a reflection of her sharp mind and entrepreneurial spirit.

She is survived by her children, Gene (Jung) Hammerschmidt of Phoenix, Ariz., Cheryl (Kent) Seirer of Russell, Lenee (Ty) Horting of Plainville, and Ernie Hammerschmidt Jr of Plainville; brother, Bernard Rohr of Palm Springs, Calif.; sisters, Delores (Sheldon) Tripp of Edmond, Okla., Lucille Smith of Edmond, Okla., Theresa (Richard) Coffenbow of Edmond, Okla., and Carol (David) King of Arvada, Colo.; four grandchildren, Julie (Tony) Markel, Karen (Luke) Keller, Mykeltie (Jake) Schoenfeld, and Brylee Horting; and five great-grandchildren, Kenna, Kimber, Chet, Brynn, and Sutton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Phillip and Ludwina; husband, Ernie Hammerschmidt; son, Roger; infant daughter, Marchelle; brothers, Marvin, Phillip Jr, LaVern Rohr, and infant brother, Ernest; and sisters, Genavieve Rohr, Alfrieda Wiesner, Catherine Lane, Lorene Snow, and Anna Wilcoxon.

Nora will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church with burial to follow at the church cemetery in Plainville. Visitation will be at the church on Friday, 6-8 p.m., with a Vigil & Rosary Service at 7 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to Rooks County Health Center or Sacred Heart Music & Liturgy and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, KS 67663.