Wally Hamre

Wallace “Wally” Hamre passed away on August 4, 2017, of natural causes following a fall two days earlier. Wally was 97, born March 21, 1920.

Wally grew up in Nome, ND. He would talk fondly about riding his horse to school. On completing 8th grade, he did not have an opportunity to attend high school. As a teenager, he attended many dances around the area. At a dance in Enderlin, he met Gladys Trangsrud. They were married in 1941. He entered the US Army that same year. His only son, Curtis was born in 1942. Wally was deployed to the Pacific for over three years and survived three major invasions. In later years, he would talk about descending rope ladders from troop transport ships to landing craft. As an engineer, his company landings were near the front to prepare infrastructure for others. During at least one invasion his landing craft passed others and it hit the beach at the very front. His memories at times were vivid. A poignant story was when he told of preparing equipment for the invasion of Japan. Word came of the peace treaty Mac Arthur had signed. He said cheers erupted from men up and down the beach. He returned to the US around Christmas of 1945 and remembered well when he first saw the Golden Gate Bridge.

Gladys was a beautician for most of her working life, Wally had many jobs: working on Soo Line Railroad, owned and managed Grand Café in Enderlin, bottler for Pepsi Cola in Fargo, worked for Dakota Hospital and later the VA Hospital in Fargo. Wally was a hard worker and diligent worker who made the most of his 8th grade education.

Wally loved his small family, trips around the country, card playing with friends and dancing. Wally loved the family get togethers and traveling with Curt and Shari, his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Courtney, his grandson and wife and Aiden and Liam, his two great grandchildren.

In later years, Wally took care of Gladys, who suffered with rheumatoid arthritis. She died 12 years ago after 64 years of marriage. Wally lived independently among good friends and neighbors until age 94. He enjoyed Touchmark in Fargo for almost three years, making many new friends and always dancing. His last two and a half months were spent at Bethany on University.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jinette and Clarence; a sister, Carol Severson, and wife, Gladys.

Wally is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Curt and Shari Hamre; grandson and wife, Steve and Courtney Hamre; and two great grandchildren, Aiden and Liam Hamre; along with many extended family and friends.

Visitation: Tuesday, August 8, 2017 from 4 to 6 PM with a prayer service at 6 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.

Funeral:  Wednesday at 11 AM at Olivet Lutheran Church, Fargo, with visitation one hour prior.

Burial: Enderlin Cemetery.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com