Donald Richard Hammer, Edgerton, WI  (1930 - 2012)

October 18, 1930 - November 2, 2012
Donald Richard Hammer, age 82, of Edgerton, died peacefully on Nov. 2, 2012, at Skaleen Nursing Home. He now rejoins the love of his life in heaven. He was born in Beaver Dam, WI, on Oct. 18, 1930, to George and Elsie (Kuenzi) Hammer. On May 12, 1956, Don married Marie (Stommel) Becker in Beaver Dam, WI.
Don, known as Smiley to his friends at the track, will be fondly remembered by all who met him. Don served his country in the Korean War. He held many jobs, most notably as a systems file analyst at Wisconsin Power and Light, Highway Trailer and Parker Pen. He was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, and loved working with his hands both in the garden and in his workshops. In work, as in every facet of his life, Don was in service to others, sharing his time, talent and love of learning freely and selflessly. He constantly analyzed and created solutions for anything that needed fixing or improving. A true testament of Don's Christian servant-hood can be seen in the daily lives of his five children. To all who experienced one of Don's warm and genuine embraces, you know what it feels like to have been loved. He delighted in spending time with family and friends.
Don is survived by his children: Phil (Camille) of Lake Norman, NC, John (Jean) of Edgerton, WI, Russell (Deb) of Grantsburg, WI, Luanne (Larry) Johnston of Toronto, Canada, and Jeanne (Lyle) Koepke of Steven Point, WI; grandchildren: Patti (Chad) Hammer-Wood, Peter Johnston, Julie (Fiancée PJ Ferstl) Hammer, David Johnston, Jared (Kristen) Hammer, Mark Johnston, Jenna Hammer, Jordon Hammer, Susan Johnston, and Mikala Hammer; great grandchildren: Derrick Wood, Paige Wood, and Chase Wood; brothers and sister: Marcie Kastenmeier of Beaver Dam, Arnold (Jerry) Hammer of Reedsburg, Joseph (Kathy) Hammer of Waukesha, John (Sue) Hammer of Appleton, Ed (Barb) Hammer of Fond du Lac, Barbara Hammer of Fitchburg, Mary (Dennis) Grulke of Beaver Dam, Diane (Lynn) Lueck of Milwaukee; sister-in-law, Terry Boehner of Madison; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Elsie Hammer; his wife, Marie Hammer; and brothers: Eugene, Tom, and David.
We are now blessed with two guardian angels watching over us. You are welcome to share with his family in celebrating his life and the bountiful blessings he has showered on so many at a funeral mass at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, at ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Edgerton, with Fr. David Timmerman officiating. Military rites will follow at the church. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, at the ALBRECHT FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATION SERVICES, EDGERTON from 4 until 7 p.m. with a Rosary service at 7 p.m. and from 10 a.m. until the start of the service on Thursday at the CHURCH.
Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Edgerton
1004 S. Main St., 608-884-6010
www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com