Jerry Hammer

June 2, 2019

Jerald Allen Hammer was born on March 31, 1945, in Granite Falls, the son of Marvin and Hazel (Bottcher) Hammer. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Jerry grew up in Granite Falls and graduated in 1963 from Granite Falls High School and was the Vice President of his senior class. He continued his education at Mankato State University and South Dakota State University. Jerry was united in marriage on March 18, 1967 to Nancy Johnson at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Montevideo. Jerry and Nancy made their home in Granite Falls and were blessed with three children, Angela, Tracy and Brett. Jerry and his brother Merle, worked together in the family business started by their father, Marvin. “Hammers” was a plumbing, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration business. He drove school bus for Granite Falls and enjoyed driving truck, hauling many loads. He enjoyed serving the community and was on the Granite Falls Rescue Squad for 31 years and served as the captain for several years. Jerry was a Firearms Safety Instructor for over 40 years. He was also a member of Duck’s Unlimited. Jerry loved hunting, fishing, camping and farming. He spent many days in the woods with his family, cutting wood for the winter months. Jerry could fix most anything that needed attention and was very skilled in mechanical things. If you ever met Jerry, you wouldn’t forget him. He never met a stranger and he had a story to share with everyone he would meet. Jerry is survived by his wife, Nancy of Granite Falls; children, Angela (John Grimes) Hammer of Seward, Alaska, Tracy (Mike Kontz) Hammer of Granite Falls, Brett (Diana) Hammer of Granite Falls; grandchildren, Coty (Jean) Beck, Shelah (Steven Adkins) Grimes, Dylan (Marissa Amor-Hegna) Beck, Kylie Grimes, Ethan Kontz, Keaunna (Jeremy) Oaks, Cherish Hammer, Brayton Hammer; great grandchildren, Landen Beck, Layken Beck, Lawsen Beck, Jaxson Grimes, Jude Beck; sister, Jean Schultz of Montevideo; sisters-in-law, Becky (Tony) Nelson-Quinata of Helendale, California, Mary Hammer of Granite Falls, DeLisa Johnson of North Augusta, South Carolina; as well as nieces, nephews and many dear friends. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Hazel Hammer; step-father, Monroe Rachie; grandson, Joel Grimes; brother, Merle Hammer; brothers-in-law, Floyd Schultz, Gary Johnson.