Earl J. Wammes

Earl J. Wammes, 88, passed peacefully at home in Fremont, Ohio on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Earl, and his twin brother, Merle, were born April 11, 1937, at the Wammes Family Farm in Fremont, to Carl and Florence (Klein) Wammes. He attended St. Joseph and Fremont Ross High Schools, graduating from Fremont Ross in 1955, and received a Bachelor of Science from Bowling Green State University in 1962. Earl married Karen Halbisen on July 21, 1962, and together they had five children. Earl's career began in 1962 at the Boeing Aerospace Division in Seattle, Washington, and the Saturn V Booster Branch in Huntsville, Alabama. In 1965, he continued his career with a division of General Motors in Elyria, Ohio, and retired from GM in 1992. Earl also served on the Elyria Board of Health from 1969 to 1982 and the Elyria City Schools Board of Education from 1979 to 1987. In retirement, Earl enjoyed working on the farm and volunteering with Karen. He served and volunteered at Sandusky County Historical Society, was a member of the Hayes Center's Kin Hunters, and served on the Sandusky County Fair Board. Earl was a roller coaster enthusiast, riding coasters at Cedar Point into his 80's. Most importantly, Earl was a proud member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Earl is survived by his wife of 63 years, Karen; his five children, Tamara (Donald) Harnegie of Westlake, Ohio, Timothy (Kelli) Wammes of Amherst, Ohio, Tonya (Paul) Condry of Mishawaka, Indiana, Ted (TC Whysall) Wammes of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Tod (Lori) Wammes of Akron, Ohio; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Ruth Hill of Fremont; and many nieces and nephews. Earl was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Paul, Bernard, Carl, Jr., and Merle; and sisters, Marie, Margaret, and Edith. Visitation will be Monday, September 15, 2025 from 4 to 7 p.m. in Herman-Karlovetz Funeral Home, 900 North St., Fremont, Ohio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, September 16, 2025 beginning at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 709 Croghan St., Fremont, followed by burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the staff of Heartland Hospice, and April Reisner, for their love and compassion helping to care for Earl during these last several months. Memorial donations may be made in Earl's name to St. Joseph Church or Heartland Hospice of Fremont. For more details see HermanFH.com