Friedrich Christian Heinrich Hammersen

Friedrich Christian Heinrich Hammersen, age 76 of Helen, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2014.

Mr. Hammersen was born on May 28, 1938 in Osnabruck, Germany to the late Fritz and Margaret Muller Hammersen. He was of the Lutheran Faith and was a member of the Helen Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Hammersen was preceded in death by his daughter, Maria Hammersen.

Chris immigrated to the United States in 1964 to Washington, D.C., sponsored by some friends he met at Hotel Krasnapolsky in Amsterdam. He worked at Market Inn Rest until moving to Naples, Florida. In 1968, after his father's passing he purchased his first restaurant. In 1977 he discovered Alpine Helen and moved his family here. He joined forces with others in Helen to start festivals and help grow the already popular Oktoberfest. Of course he will be most remembered for riding around Helen in the evenings in his little red Mercedes. He will be loved and missed by all.

Survivors include his wife, Eleanor Hammersen; children, Fritz and Kim Hammersen, Carla Hammersen Hansen, Charlene Hammersen and Cody Guthrie, Marcella Weaver and fiancé John Wagenknecht; grandchildren, William Hammersen, Maria Hansen, Laney Hansen, McKenzie Weaver, and Daniel Weaver; identical twin brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Susie Hammersen, Durban, South Africa; nephews, Michael Hammersen and Richard Hammersen; first wife, Mary DeGroot.

Memorial services are scheduled for 7PM Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at the Chapel of Barrett Funeral Home. The Rev. Jerry Whitlock will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 2-4PM and 5-7PM Wednesday at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.barrettfh.com

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.