×

Jerry V. Hammer

DURAND — After 91 1/2 years, we had to say goodbye to Jerry V. Hammer. He passed away with dignity and grace on Nov. 21, 2024.

Jerry was born at home in Jackson, Minn. on May 5, 1933, with the local doctor charging $3 for the home delivery. He attended a rural school and then moved to Fairmont, Minn. 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 Wis. 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, and 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, Ariz., son Korey and wife Gail of Hayes, Va., extended family, sister Stella Winzenburg of Belgrade, Minn., 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 N. J., brother Harley Hammer Jr. Petersburg Va., brother-in-law Tom Winzenburg Belgrade Minn., and parents Harley and Viola (Larson) Hammer Fairmont, Minn.

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 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 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 may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com.

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]