Robert “Bob” August Hammer, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away on Tuesday, May 7, at the age of 86.
He was born on Nov. 3, 1937, to the late Lars and Ida (Priem) Hammer in Shawano. He graduated from Shawano High School, class of 1956. Bob was a proud member of the 1956 high school state championship basketball team. He pursued a career in business, graduating from Badger Business School.
On Oct. 1, 1960, Bob married the love of his life, Catherine “Kay” Schweers at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano. They shared 63 years of marriage and raised two sons, Michael and Steven, instilling in them values of love, integrity and hard work.
In 1961, he joined E.C. Manger and Son Co. Bob became owner and president in 1988. He worked alongside his two sons until his retirement. Bob was deeply involved in his community. He was a longstanding member of the Wednesday Noon Optimist Club. He served as commissioner of the East River Little League, served on the board of directors of the Casket Manufacturer Association and the York Children’s Foundation. Additionally, he was a proud member of the Morgan Mellberg Memorial Fantasy Football League for nearly 50 years, showing his passion for sports and camaraderie.
In his leisure time, Bob found joy in various activities including the annual week at Trump Lake with his young sons, golf on Thursday men’s league at Golden Sands, bowling, softball, photography, hunting and fishing. He looked forward to the annual Tiger Hunt (Northwoods snowmobile ride). He loved to travel, especially their annual trip to Florida. He was an avid sports fan, passionately following the Packers, Brewers and Badgers. He never missed an opportunity to watch his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting and school events.
He cherished the time spent at their cottage on Shawano Lake, surrounded by his beloved family.
He enjoyed many pontoon rides, watching children skiing, Friday night fish fries, a good supper club, and sharing drinks with neighbors, especially a Manhattan. Bob will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, quick wit and the sparkle in his eye. He was a longtime member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife, Kay; son, Mike (Barb) Hammer, and daughter-in-law, Chantal Hammer; his grandchildren, Jamie (Eric) Flick, Nick (Alan) Hammer, David (Alycia) Hammer, Cody (Ksenya) Hammer and Marissa Hammer; great-grandchildren, Kempton, Lena, Bryce, Rafe, Asher and soon to arrive Oliver.
He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Lester and Virginia Schweers; and his son, Steve.
Friends may call at the Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St., Green Bay, on May 13, from 3-6 p.m. The funeral service will be at 6 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with Vicar Aaron Tisdale officiating. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Shawano.
Online condolences may be sent to the Hammer family at www.prokowall.com. In lieu of floral expressions a memorial fund has been established in his name.
Robert ‘Bob’ Hammer
