Eric Clyde Hemmert

On Tuesday, August 28, 2018, Eric Clyde Hemmert passed away after a long and excruciating battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Eric was surrounded by family and maintained his sense of humor to the end helping those around him deal with his impending death. He was born in Richfield, Utah to Clyde Robert Hemmert and Betty Jean Jorgensen Hemmert on April 3, 1960. He married his best friend, Kimberly Ann Hemmert on September 6, 1991 in the Salt Lake Temple. Eric and Kim remained devoted to the end, sharing the love that can only be given by those who have learned to see into each others’ hearts. They raised two sons and two daughters; Caleb, Karlee, Shantelle, and Ammon.

After graduating from Richfield High School, Eric served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the Melbourne Australia Mission. He learned to love the people of Australia and Tasmania, and often talked about going back for a visit. Eric received a degree from Southern Utah University and continued his lifelong journey of learning, reading many books and using the internet to study varied topics of interest. His life was spent in service to his family and others. As an active member of the Church, Eric served in various callings. His favorite calling was the nursery where he “played with the kids”. He often said that, “It was a great way to spend time serving God.”

Eric spent time visiting and caring for his neighbors. He was devoted to serving others, especially those who felt forgotten. He was a friend to those in need and always had time to visit. Eric’s last visit was on a “walk” with his wife. He rolled along in his motorized wheelchair and stopped to visit a neighbor who had to come out to the porch because he couldn’t go into their home. He cherished life and enjoyed each day as he helped others see the blessings in their lives. It was easy to feel blessed as you watched him lose the use of his arms and legs; yet, you felt his ongoing peace and love of life. He was a great example and teacher, especially to the students he taught at Granger High School, who he found time to help.

Eric will be missed by all who knew him. Who will help us find the joy of life within our struggles, and the peace that comes from serving God? Eric is survived by his wife Kim, children: Caleb, Karlee, Shantelle, and Ammon; sisters: Janice Hemmert Wayman (Blaine), Sandra Hemmert, and Teresa Hemmert; and, numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death, by his parents and older brother Blair. 

Funeral services will be held Friday, the 31st of August, 2018, at 1:00 pm in the LDS Ward Chapel, 4251 South 4800 West, West Valley City, Utah. A family viewing will be held at the Ridgeland Ward starting at 11:00am to 12:30pm. Interment will be in Valley View Cemetery, 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah. Eric has requested friends visit with the family at an open house on Thursday, August 30, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00pm in the LDS Church Cultural Hall.

We wish to thank family and friends who have shared their time, talents, and financial help through Eric’s battle with ALS. We also want to thank the incredible Hearts for Hospice and Home Health team who provided exceptional loving care during the last weeks of Eric’s life. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the ALS Association at www.alsa.org for research to support finding a cure for Lou Gehrig’s Disease.