Bonnie Hammer

Bonnie Hammer went home to be with the Lord at age 90 on January 17, 2025 in Milwaukie, Oregon with her family by her side. She was caring, kind, and compassionate, devoted to her family and to her Christian faith. She loved music and was an accomplished vocalist and flautist, sharing her vocal talent by singing in church choirs and as a soloist at weddings, funerals, and other special occasions. Bonnie also enjoyed and was noted for her cooking, baking, home decorating, knitting, and needle-work.

Bonnie Jo was born to O. Leo and Dorothy R. (Treichler) French in Warrenton, MO on April 10, 1934. The family moved to Iowa when she was young and she graduated from Coggon High School, class of 1952. In just three years, Bonnie earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, graduating in 1955.

She was married to L. D. Fergesen from 1955 to 1970. They raised their three children, Carol, Richard (Rick), and Barbara, in Oregon. Bonnie was a school teacher for 27 years and was a substitute teacher for another 10 years, mostly teaching 6th grade and working in Lake Oswego.

Bonnie later moved back to Iowa, where she met and married Robert “Bob” Hammer on November 12, 1988, in Independence IA. They moved to Coggon shortly thereafter, then later moving to Faribault, MN in 2006, where they lived until Bob’s passing in 2021.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Albert “Bob” French, daughter Carol, and husband Robert. She is survived by her son Richard D. (Nancy) Fergesen of Edina, MN; daughter Barbara (Roger) Carstens of Oregon City, OR; and five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.

A private memorial gathering will be held at the Oregon Coast and a graveside service will occur in the spring at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Faribault, MN.