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Jerry V Hammer

Jerry V Hammer

After 91 1/2 years, we had to say good-bye to Jerry V. Hammer. He passed away with dignity and grace on November 21, 2024.

Jerry was born at home in Jackson, MN on May 5th, 1933 with the local doctor charging $3 for the home delivery. He attended a rural school and then moved to Fairmont, MN. After graduating from Fairmont High School, he entered the US Army, where he worked in the Battalion Headquarters. His next venture was schooling to become a barber. Loretta Tierney was teaching in Fairmont when he met her and they married in 1959. Jerry then pursued a career in education earning a BS in Education along with a Master's Degree in Administration. His career led to a move to Wisconsin where he was the Superintendent at Fairchild High School while living in Augusta. He was also the Superintendent in Trempealeau before settling in Durand in 1969. He was the Elementary Principal at Caddie Woodlawn School for 15 years. Throughout his long lifetime he did a variety of things. People in Durand also remember him for his dedication to managing the Bauer Built Durand Car Wash.

Jerry's presence will be missed by many, especially his daily coffee buddies at the Riverside Grill, neighbors and friends. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him realized that he was one of a kind. "Tough as nails", but that's how Hammers are.

Jerry was happiest when he was working outside; growing his flower beds, mowing the lawn, feeding the birds, driving a spotless car, and using his green thumb indoors to create an incredible array of house plants. Football became his Sunday pastime. He also was concerned about helping the community grow by donating to the swimming pool, football field, Cobblestone Inn, along with being an active member of the Durand Lions Club and the Zoning Board.

Jerry is survived by his daughter Kolette and her husband Owen Finch of Kingman, AZ, son Korey and wife Gail of Hayes, VA, extended family, sister Stella Winzenburg of Belgrade, MN, and brother and sister-in-law Al and Jackie Hammer of West Point, GA, along with many nieces, nephews, and special friends Dennis and Willy Traun. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Loretta, her parents and siblings, brother and sister-in-law Theodore and Sondra Hammer Eatontown NJ, brother Harley Hammer Jr. Petersburg VA, brother-in-law Tom Winzenburg Belgrade MN, and parents Harley and Viola (Larson) Hammer Fairmont, MN.

Jerry's family would like to thank the caring people of Durand, Durand Municipal Ambulance Service, Durand Fire Department, the dedicated staff of AdventHealth Durand, Dr. Kenneth Rucker, and the friends and neighbors who have been wonderful during this difficult time.

A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00PM-2:00PM Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand.

Memorials are preferred in Jerry's name to Durand Lion's Club, AdventHealth, or any non-profit organization of your choice.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

  1. Kristine Polzer

    I will miss seeing Jerry at the Corral for morning coffee where he almost always had a question for me.
    Sending our sympathy to you all. He will be missed.

    Sincerely,
    Kris and Dave Polzer

  2. Mark and Joanne Irish

    Our deepest condolences to the Hammer family in this difficult time. Korey, I never met your dad, but I can tell how wonderful he must have been just by knowing you. We reflect the best parts of our parents thanks to the loving way they raised us. Take comfort in your memories as you grieve.

  3. Pat Petrie / Kurth

    My sincere condolences to all family and extended family for your loss!!! I arrived in Durand not too long after Jerry. He welcomed me to Caddie and was very supportive--appreciating any extra time you put in .and open to new ideas. He was very active in our community--especially in Lions where I also served. He kept us on our toes with his unique personality! May he rest in Peace!!!

  4. Barry & Tina Clark

    Sending much love and prayers to the Hammer family and friends. Mr. Hammer will surely be missed.

  5. Pat Petrie / Kurth

    My sincere condolences to all family and extended family for your loss!!! I arrived in Durand not too long after Jerry. He welcomed me to Caddie and was very supportive--appreciating any extra time you put in .and open to new ideas. He was very active in our community--especially in Lions where I also served. He kept us on our toes with his unique personality! May he rest in Peace!!!

  6. Patti Blount

    I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Jerry. Sympathy to the family during this difficult time.

  7. Bert & Monica Bauer

    Jerry was a wonderful neighbor. What a kind and gentle person. We will miss Jerry's walks by our house and the numerous conversations. Rest in peace Jerry. ???? Keeping Jerry's family in our thoughts and prayers. Bert and Monica Bauer

  8. Linda Torgerson

    My sincere condolences.

    I remember him well while I went to school in Durand.

  9. Susanna Skripnik

    We were saddened to learn of Jerry’s passing. Our condolences to his family and loved ones.

  10. Mike and Terri Dematteo

    Our sincere sympathy on the loss of Jerry. I always enjoyed visiting with him when I’d see him in town.

  11. Denise Weisenbeck Janzow

    Kolette and family,
    Thinking of you at this very sad time. Your Dad was a wonderful man!
    Sincerely,
    Denise

  12. Patty Jo Wayne

    Enjoyed visiting with Jerry over the years, I'm so grateful. I was a regular walker and would walk past his house several times a week plus he'd notice me at other areas of my walking route if he was out and about.
    I've gotten to know him and enjoyed the camaraderien with him.
    May he rest in peace

  13. Jeanne Tierney

    My sincere sympathy to Kolette and Kory and also to Jerry’s family members. Jerry will be missed by all who knew him.

  14. Pat Plumer

    Condolences to the Hammer Family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  15. Tom & Mary Jean Schiefelbein

    To Kolette, Owen, Korey, Gail and families: Tom & I want to extend our condolences to you all.. Jerry was a dear friend and we will miss his regular phone calls. He was a big help to us when we moved to Delafield..He was always there to help, if you needed it. Jerry will be missed by all who knew him.. Tom and Mary Jean Schiefelbein

  16. Paula Smith

    Mr Hammer was a great principal I always enjoyed seeing him in grade school he have a very good smile on his face to his family I'm so sorry you lost your dad he was so nice I hope your memories last a lifetime

  17. Donna Karshbaum

    Jerry was a Wonderful and Great Perso, My Sympathies go out to the Family, God Bless You All ????❤️????

  18. Kay Noll

    So, sorry for your loss. He was a good friend and neighbor. I will miss him.

  19. Nick and Sue Sperger

    We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.

  20. Christina Arnold

    My Aunt Loretta and Uncle Jerry was a huge part of my life. My condolences to Kolette and Korey and other family members. RIP Uncle Jerry you have so much to tell Aunt Loretta.

  21. Karen Ruppert

    Jerry was a great neighbor. He was always willing to get my mail for me and look after my house when ever I went away. I will miss him a lot.

  22. Joanne Hovey

    Sympathy to family and friends

  23. Jerry & Sue Bauer

    We are so sorry to learn of your loss. Our deepest sympathy to Jerry's family. We won't be able to join you at the celebration of life due to another commitment, but our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.

    Jerry & Sue Bauer

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