Ronald "Ron" Hammitt, 85 of Webster died Sunday, September 18 at his residence.

Ron's request was to donate his body to USD Medical School.  Per his request no services will be scheduled.

Ron was born on Jan 1, 1937 in Sioux Falls, SD, along with his twin sister Constance "Connie". They were born a few hours after gangsters blew up the local powder house that rocked the city. Quite the New Year's!  His parents were Wilford and Mildred (Bonander) Hammitt.

Ron enlisted in the US Navy after graduation from Washington High School in Sioux Falls. He spent his time aboard the U.S.S. San Pablo doing hydrographic surveying. He went home to Sioux Falls after his honorable discharge and met and married Lorraine Nelson from Dell Rapids, SD. Two children were born from that union, Craig & Julie. The family then moved to Webster, SD in 1968 to open Ron's Jack & Jill grocery store on main street.

During that time Ron was a volunteer firefighter and was usually first at the firehouse as he only had to run across the store parking lot! He was involved in many organizations and activities in the community, some of which were Yelduz Shrine, Masons and Jaycees. Ron was a 49 year member of the American Legion Post #40 and he loved playing cribbage.

The grocery store was later sold to Mike Grosek and Ron spent over 30 years at the local John Deere dealership in the parts department before he retired.

Ron was known for his kindness and willingness to help others and is doing so even in the afterlife as he has donated his body to USD Medical School in Vermillion.

Ron is survived by his son, Craig Hammitt of Webster, SD, daughter Julie (Bob) Hilgemann of Aberdeen, SD, 2 grandchildren, Bobi (Luke) Carroll of Waukee, IA and Josh Hilgemann of Aberdeen, SD, his twin sister Constance (Connie) Zimmerman of Mesa, AZ, 3 nephews, 1 niece and their families.