"Bill was an outstanding Marine and individual. He was a valued member of our Squadron, MWCS-48. He will be missed. Semper Fi. Photos at: http://mwcs.blogspot.com/"
In loving memory of
William C. Hamerstadt
December 26, 1951 - August 12, 2016
Col. William ("Bill") Chapin Hamerstadt, USMCR (Ret.)
"Semper Fi"
64, of Carmel, IN passed away on August 12, 2016 in Fredericksburg, VA. Bill, a twin, was born in Indianapolis, IN on December 26, 1951 to John Robert and Margaret Louise (Chapin) Hamerstadt. He was a 1970 graduate from North Central High School and a 1974 graduate from the University of Evansville where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. Bill entered the Marine Corps through the Platoon Leaders Program in August 1971 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant after graduating from Evansville. Following completion of the Basic School (Infantry) and Communications Officer School at Quantico, VA, he reported for duty with the Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Iwakuni, JA in July 1975. Bill was recalled to active duty during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. He was the former Deputy Chief of Staff, Marine Forces Pacific, Camp Smith, HI. Bill spent 33 years in both US Marine Corps and US Marine Corps Reserve and retired in 2004 with the rank of Colonel. Bill began his career with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network in 1983 as a professional life and funds agent with established nationwide clientele and received numerous industry rewards for his expertise and service to his clients.
Bill was a true "Hoosier" evidenced by his strong spirit of independence and fierce loyalty to family and friends and he will be missed by all. He was passionate about many things including family but none more important than the aviation industry and USMCR fellowship. Bill learned to fly during high school and received his pilot's license before he received his driver's license. Over the years, he had ownership in several different airplanes and became involved with various heritage aircraft groups and participated in many vintage aircraft shows. He particularly enjoyed attending the annual EAA Air Venture Oshkosh fly-in convention held every July in Oshkosh, WI. The week-long event attracts more than 500,000 people and 10,000 airplanes. Bill was actively involved in several military outreaches and mentoring programs namely the Wounded Warriors Project, Community Outreach for Vets being released from active duty, US Marine Senior Level Officer Symposiums and Conferences and Military Scholarship programs for children of military veterans.
Bill is survived by his wife, Marilyn McNamara Knoll Hamerstadt, his children, Alison Diane Hamerstadt (Portland OR), Margaret Helen Hamerstadt (FL) and Wesley Chapin Hamerstadt (Indianapolis) and step-children, Katherine Louise Knoll (Hot Springs, AR), Edgar Thomas Knoll (Tulsa, OK) and Sarah Therese Nutt (Rogers, AR). Grandchildren include Lukas Dizdarevic (New York). Step grandchildren are Liam Knoll, Asher Knoll, Katie Nutt, Connor Nutt and McKenna Nutt. Bill's siblings include Margaret Hamerstadt Finney (Carmel), John Robert Hamerstadt, Jr. (Denver, CO), James Lunny Hamerstadt (Cincinnati, OH) and step-sister Ann (Bitting) Ray (Tampa, FL). Other survivors include John Scheuring, Margo Scheuring and Paul Scheuring (cousins) and numerous much loved nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his Mother (Peggy Hamerstadt Bitting), Father (John), Step-Father (James Bitting) and Aunt G.R. Chapin (Mrs. H K).
Bill entered the church while attending Saint Thomas Aquinas in Indianapolis. Bill and Marilyn are current members of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 10655 Haverstick Road, Carmel, IN where family and friends will gather from on Monday, October 10, 2016 from 9:00am to 10:15am for eulogies and the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am. A lunch will be provided by the church following the funeral. A military burial will be conducted by the US Marine corps.
You are invited to visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com where you may share a personal memory of Bill, sign the guest book or in lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made to the United States Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, 909 N. Washington Street, Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314. Website: https://www.mcsf.org/ (go to DONATE at the bottom right of the page).
Tributes
"Our thoughts and prayers go to Bill's family. We would cominly sign off after seeing one another with "Blue skies". Blue skies Bill. Rick Ezell"
"Sadly missed by all of his family. Tailwinds, sir!"
"Our condolences from the DeSimone family of Greensburg, Kentucky. We always enjoyed Bill when he came for our annual dove hunt in September and he was a great friend of the family over the years and our Dad, Dr. Kenneth DeSimone M.D. He will be greatly missed by us all. Colonel Kenneth "Deke" DeSimone II, USMCR (retired)"
"Condolences to Marilyn and Margo, Jay and Jim. We first met when I was in transition from catholic schools to 9th grade public schools in the fall of 1966. Bill will be remembered by me as someone who always had many ideas and irons in the fire which he exuberantly pursued. May your soul rest in peace Bill."
"Our deepest sympathy and prayers to Bill's family. Marian and I first met Bill when he came over to EUCOM in Germany for a short tour. We became fast friends and enjoyed flying together over these many years. A gentleman who was always there to help others and mentor young people. He will be missed. LTC Richard Dykes US Army Ret. and Marian "
"Thoughts and prayers to the Hamerstadt family. I always enjoyed formation flying with Bill. He had a natural enthusiasm about flying, and he was at the OSH Air show every year. Bill was a good man, the kind of guy that would do anything for anyone. Greg Mahler"
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hamerstadt family and friends. What a wonderful man... always helping those in need without expecting anything in return. He will be greatly missed. Worthe and Marie Holt"
"My prayers are with Bill's family. My brother Dave and I grew up with Bill and Jay. Bill will be greatly missed."
"My prayers go out to Bill's family. My brother Dave and I grew up with Bill and Jay. Bill will be greatly missed. Kurt Penney"
"All the Marine community here in Louisville is sadenned. My thoughts and prayers are for Bill and his family and friends. He was continuously engaged and giving to all. Many memorable events back to our first acquaintance in Camp Lejeune, 1983. God Bless. LtCol Scott Hoffman USMC (Ret)"
"First meet then Lt. Hammerstadt while at 29 Palms Marine Corps Base, not your typical Lt. business was business, but he did joke around with us. re connected with him at a Marine Corps Coordinating Council meeting a few years ago. wil be missed. Semper Fidelis Sir"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time and always. Love, Mary Beth (Diersing) and Steve Males and family "
"I had the honor of servicing with (at the time) LtCol Hamerstadt in Hawaii @ MARFORPAC G6. He was one of the best officers I serviced with. He always ask how my autistic son was,and if there was anything he could do. When I heard of his death this morning, I was both shocked and sadden. Col thank you Sir for your service, thank you for caring for your Marines. My prayers are with your family.As well as our Marines who knew and served with you. Thank you Sir. SEMPER FI, COL H Wayde Blanton Msgt USMC (ret) "