Charles J. Hammer

Charles John Hammer, affectionately known by many as “Huck” or “Huckleberry,” passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, at the age of 80.

Born on November 21, 1944, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, Charles was the beloved son of Norbert and Irene (Sadowski) Hammer. Charles grew up in Beaver Dam and attended St. Michael’s Grade School before graduating from Beaver Dam High School in 1963. He went on to study at UW–Stout until he was drafted into the U.S. Air Force on July 12, 1965. Charles served with honor as an air traffic controller during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged on July 21, 1969. Upon returning home, Charles worked for Kraft Foods before embarking on a 30-year career at John Deere, where he was known for his hard work and dedication until his retirement in 2002.

In the fall of 1976, Charles met his future wife, Gale (Linde), and they married on April 15, 1978 — a date he always jokingly referred to as “tax day.” Together they built a beautiful life, raising two children, Nick and Tara, who were his greatest pride and joy.

Retirement didn’t slow Charles down. He took on a variety of part-time jobs, including genetic surveying for the State of Wisconsin, working for Richard’s Vending, and proudly serving on the Beaver Dam Auxiliary Police. Rising through the ranks to become captain, Charles found great joy in supporting the community, especially attending local high school sporting events — where he could reliably be found on the sidelines with a box of popcorn in hand.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Charles bowled in men’s and couples leagues for many years and enjoyed countless rounds of golf. He was a dedicated fan of Wisconsin sports — a loyal Badgers supporter and a Green Bay Packers season ticket holder since 1980. But above all, he was his children’s biggest fan, rarely missing a game, match, or meet.

Charles had a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures — Kwik Trip snacks, lottery tickets, Big Buddy fountain sodas, and the excitement of surprise packages from QVC. His sense of humor and stubborn resilience were legendary. Despite facing numerous health challenges, including being on dialysis since 2020, Charles was known for his unshakable will to keep going. Friends and family often joked he had not just nine lives, but 99.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Gale; his children Nick (Jamie) Hammer of Chicago and Tara Hammer of Madison; his cherished grandsons, James and Henry; his brother Tony Hammer of Racine; sister Mary Hammer of Beaver Dam; brothers- and sisters-in-law Jeff (Sue) Linde and Jerry (Patty) Linde, both of Beaver Dam; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert and Irene Hammer; his brother, Father Michael Hammer; and his sister-in-law, Mary Beth Hammer.

A funeral service celebrating Charles’s life will be held on Monday, May 19 at St. Katharine Drexel. Visitation will be in the Narthax from 9:30-11:00, service to follow.

Charles’s life was marked by humor, service, devotion to family, and unwavering strength. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Charles was fortunate to attend the Badger Honor Flight on September 16, 2017 with his daughter Tara as his guardian. Because of his love for this experience, the family kindly asks that, in place of flowers, contributions be made to the Badger Honor Flight (PO Box 258066, Madison, WI 53725) so that many others can experience this extraordinary day.