Henrica J. Hammerstad

Henrica VanMil Hammerstad, age 88, died peacefully at the home of her son in Lake Park on July 20, 2007. Henrica Johanna was born to Cornelius and Elisabeth Hendriks Hubers, on October 14, 1918, at St. Anthonis, Holland, the fourth of fourteen children. Henrica married Theodore "Ted" VanMil on May 16, 1944. Together they had 6 children. In 1948, they immigrated to Canada, and then in 1953 to the United States. They lived in Carrington and Harwood before taking up residence in rural Fargo, ND. They proudly became U.S. citizens in 1960. In 1967, Ted died in a car-train accident.In 1970, Henrica married Henry Hammerstad in Fargo. Henry had 3 grown sons from his first marriage. They moved to Moorhead in 1988. Henry passed away in 2002.Henrica was known as "Rica" by all her friends. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially when the Rummikub game was on the table. She will be missed by all her family and friends, including Jane McGough, Sally Simon, and Florence Myers. Henrica worked for 15 years at the Fargo Nursing Home. She was a wonderful cook, gardener and seamstress, and she greatly enjoyed crocheting.Henrica was a loving mother to Elizabeth "Elly" Ed Church Van Mil, Albuquerque, NM; Martin Lois VanMil, Missoula, MT; Corry Tammy VanMil, Lake Park, MN; Mary Bob Cooper, Port Orchard, WA; Harry VanMil, Damascus, OR; and Ed Lina VanMil, Orangevale, CA. She leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She is also survived by 3 stepsons: LaVerne "Buddy" Goly Hammerstad, Tecate, Mexico; Bruce Caroline Hammerstad, Orangevale, CA; Anthony Anita Hammerstad, Albert, CO.Henrica is also survived by sisters Kate Tony VanDyk and Dora Ben Huinink, and sister-in-law Nelly Hubers, all of Whitby, Ontario, Canada; and sisters Josephina Verberk, Lies Piet Verhoeven, and Martha Harry v.d. Hoven in Holland. Preceding her in death were two sisters, Bertha and Dina; four brothers, Laurence, William, Harry and Tony; plus two who died as infants, Anna and Arnoldus.