Obituary of Keith C. Hammis

Passed away peacefully at Ascension St. Mary's Hospital, surrounded by his family on December 7, 2018. He was 86 years old, 14 years short of celebrating his 100th birthday goal, where the party will be in Heaven. Keith loved life, his family, and Notre Dame Football. He was born September 20, 1932 to the late Philip and Elaine (Gavit) Hammis. He graduated from Holy Family High School in 1950 and attended John Moore Tech. He married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Manor, on May 10, 1952 at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Zilwaukee. He began as a Carpenter Apprentice with RC Hendrick and Son in 1950 and worked there for 66 years, finishing his career as a Construction Manager. During his work at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, his efforts earned the company a Value Engineering Award, which he proudly received at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. He built many buildings and developed relationships with people from each of those projects. He took pride in his work and got to know the community. In 2017, he received the S.I.R. (Skill, Integrity and Responsibility) Award from the Associated General Contractors for his 66 year career. Keith was a people person and was friends with everyone he met. But most of all, Keith was a family man. Keith and Pat built their lake home in Lakeview, Michigan and summers were spent on the lake where he taught his children to fish, swim, waterski and cherish time together with family. He was proud of every one of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and told everyone he met all about them. His Saturday morning breakfasts were legendary, and he spent many a morning in the local coffee shop. He was known as Donut Grandpa since he delivered donuts to many of his family's cottages early on Saturday mornings. He was a member of St. Dominic Parish in Saginaw and Christ the King-St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lakeview, Michigan. He supported Catholic Education throughout his life. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patricia A. (Manor) Hammis, his children, Regina (Edward) Napierala, Debra (Robert) Cherry, Pamela (Daniel) Wolpert, Marcia (Michael) Wolohan, Keith (Connie) Hammis, Michael (Lori) Hammis and Vicky Hammis. He has 21 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Robert J. Hammis, his great-granddaughter, Edie Grace Williams, his brothers, Philip, George and David Hammis, his sister-in-law, Nancy Hammis, and brother-in-law, Donald Garno. Keith's family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Ibtihaj Rajoulh, Dr. Ayman Al-Rejleh (Dr. Al) and the 6 ICU staff for their wonderful care. Also, thanks to Dr. G. Michael Deeb at the University of Michigan Hospital for giving us 12 more years of dad's presence after his aortic dissection. FUNERAL: The Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at St. Dominic Parish - St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1310 Malzahn. Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday at St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at St. Dominic Parish - St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1310 Malzahn, Saginaw on Monday, December 10, from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. A Vigil service will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial contribution to the Saginaw Area Catholic Schools - Keith and Patricia Hammis Scholarship Fund. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com.