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Andrew "Andy" Hemmingson Jr.of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, October 21, 2020
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Andrew John Hemmingson, Jr., better known as “Andy” by his family and friends, was born October 7, 1923 near Kadoka, South Dakota. He attended rural schools in the area and graduated from Kadoka High School in 1941 as salutatorian.
Andy enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942 and at the end of active duty in 1945 was honorably discharged with the following rankings and accomplishments: Gunnery Instructor, T/Sgt, Asiatic-Pacific Theater with two bronze stars, distinguished flying cross, China, Burma, and India Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and flew 47 combat missions. After being discharged he served in the Army Reserves for two years travelling to many states in the US.
Andy was united in marriage to Mary Jane Rittel on November 7, 1947. They lived on the family farm on South Creek until 1966 when they moved into Kadoka where he worked as an electrician for Hogen's Hardware until retiring. Andy was a member of the Kadoka Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder, was a member of the Kadoka Volunteer Fire Department, and was a member of the Kadoka City Council. Andy was a Boy Scout and loved to tell stories about camping and going on trips with the troop.
He was a very talented guy who taught himself to play the guitar, sewed baby clothes for his infant daughter, was a mathematical whiz, drew beautiful pictures, could fix almost anything, was a craftsman of fine furniture, and also enjoyed going to auctions where he bought antique furniture to refinish. Some of the furniture he sold, some "would stay with the establishment", and many pieces would go to family members. Andy was always very willing to help and give advice. He loved telling stories, having coffee with the guys, and enjoyed spending time with his family. He was immensely proud of his grandkids and great-grandkids and enjoyed sharing stories with them. Andy had another proud moment when he was promoted to a great-great-grandfather.
Survivors include his wife Mary Jane Hemmingson of Kadoka; one daughter Paulette Wilmarth of Kadoka; one son Ron (Nancy) Hemmingson of Eureka, South Dakota; four grandchildren: Eric Wilmarth, Cody (Cara) Wilmarth, Lori (Jeff) Konst, and Justin Hemmingson; five great-grandchildren: Jade (Bailey) Konst, Kayla Wilmarth, Kylee Wilmarth, Jaslyn (Devin Kampfe) Konst, and Samantha Wilmarth; one great-great-granddaughter Harper Edoff; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Andy was preceded in death by his parents Andrew John and Effie Hemmingson; four brothers: Hollis, Norman, Marvin, and Paul in infancy; four sisters: Delores Freemole, Julia Nelson, Iown Ramstad, and Isabelle in infancy; and a son-in-law Rick Wilmarth.
Memorial services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 12, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka.
Interment with military honors will follow at the Kadoka Cemetery.
Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 241 Kadoka, SD 57543.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Thursday, November 12, 2020 - 10:00 a.m.
Presbyterian Church
Kadoka, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Jesse Taylor
MUSIC
Joyce Wheeler - Pianist
Shari Taylor - Vocalist
Congregational Hymns
“In The Garden” - “How Great Thou Art”
Special Music
“Grandpa” - The Judds
USHERS
Eric Wilmarth - Justin Hemmingson
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota