Max Foss Hemmert

Max Foss Hemmert, 83, of Astoria, died on Sept. 15. He was born Jan. 4, 1940, in Spokane, Washington, to Beryle and Lewis Hemmert. Max is survived by his stepchildren, Janet Gau, of Clarkston, Washington, and Penny Olsen (Art Olsen) of Astoria; and a daughter-in-law, Toni Wilson, of Astoria. His grandchildren are Lisa Broche and Lance Gau, of Clarkston, and Tiffany and Brett Hunt, Carrie and Michael Kaul, Gretchen Teevin and Trygve Olsen, all of Astoria. Also surviving are 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by four brothers; a stepson, Lanny Wilson; and his loving wife; Loretta Hemmert. Max completed school in Spokane and spent two years at college, then enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve for three years. He moved to Lewiston, Idaho, where he married Loretta in 1965. They then moved to Astoria, where he worked at the Wauna Mill as one of the first workers. He started working on the paper machines, then trained to become an electrician. He was also union president. Max and Loretta assumed ownership of the local bus depot and gift shop for five years, then opening the exclusive gift shop boutique, The Treasure Nook, in downtown Astoria until 1996. Both Max and Loretta enjoyed traveling in their van through the U.S. and Mexico. They loved to share their time with family and friends on their boat, the Norwester, on the Columbia River. Life is a journey of sweetness. We can keep the memory close to our hearts of seeing Max and his chihuahuas, Paco and Pepe, in his coat jacket, visiting all his favorite Astoria coffeehouses. Please join us March 16 at noon at the Pacifick Distillery on the Astoria waterfront to celebrate Max and Loretta’s life together, and the many happy memories.