Herbert Nicholas Hammer, 87, of Tiffin, passed from this life surrounded by his family Saturday morning, March 3, 2012, at Mercy Tiffin Hospital.

He was born on June 11, 1924, in Seneca County, Ohio, to Joseph and Julia (Bodart) Hammer. He married Helen Smith on October 17, 1946 and she preceded him in death. He then married Rita Streacker-McDougal on April 6, 1961. He raised his family in the same home he was born.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Rita; six sons, David (Sandy) Hammer of Perrysburg, Ohio, Thomas (Carol) Hammer of Alvada, Ohio, William (Diane) Hammer and Donald (Cathe) Hammer, both of Tiffin, Ohio; and Roger (Deb) Hammer and Michael (Vicki) Hammer, both of Fostoria, Ohio; seven daughters, Diana Phoenix of Texas, Mary Lou "Lou" (Leonard) Coleman of Napoleon, Ohio, Patie (David) Elchert of Virginia, Mary Alice (Kenneth) Baker of Risingsun, Ohio, Eileen (John Jr.) Hoover, and Barbara (Randy) Fry, both of Tiffin, Ohio, and Lois (Jim) Boatman of Tennessee; 37 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren and daughter-in-law, Geralyn Hammer of Tiffin, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen; son, Ken Hammer; two brothers, Robert and Paul Hammer, infant brother, Wilfred Hammer and a deceased grandchild.

Mr. Hammer was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church where he served on the church council for years. He graduated from Hopewell Loudon High School in 1943, farmed in the Bascom area his entire life and was a former member of the National Farmers Organization. Herbie enjoyed a good game of Euchre and making his own wine.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 PM on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Bascom, Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery. The Rosary will be prayed 20 minutes prior to Mass.

Friends may visit with the family on Monday, March 5, 2012 from 3-8 PM at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-2424. A Wake service will begin at 2:30 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church or to St. Francis Home.

Letters of condolence may be sent and the guest book signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.