To access the recording of Don's service, click Watch Webcast under the Photos & Videos tab above, or copy and paste the following link into your web browser: https://youtu.be/k3zbA5-chKE
Mass of Christian Burial for Donald Hammer, 92, of Marshall, formerly of Minneota, will take place at 10:3 a.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota. A walk through visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at a later date. Masks are required at all indoor events and social distancing guidelines will be followed at all times. A recording of the service will be available at www.horvathfuneralservice.com.
Donald William Hammer was born on May 24, 1928, to William and Christine (Goodmundson) Hammer. He grew up on his family farm in Nordland Township. Don graduated from Lynd High School and played on the state basketball tournament runner up team in 1946. After high school, he attended Saint Cloud State for one year. On November 4, 1950, he was united in marriage to Audrey Nelson at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. The couple farmed and raised their family on the Hammer family farm in Nordland Township. Don was passionate about family and farming. He was an active citizen and served on several local boards including the Lyon Lincoln Electric Coop, the East River Board and the ASCS. He was an avid Minnesota and Minneota sports fan. Don enjoyed playing cards, golf and the occasional trip to the casino. Don lived on his family farm his whole life until moving to Hill Street Place in December of 2019.
Don died on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, surrounded by family at his residence in Marshall after a fall and a very brief illness. He is survived by his wife, Audrey, of Minneota, children Katie (and Dan) Deutz of Lake Benton, Jeff (and Mona) Hammer of Minneota, Todd Hammer (and Hilary DeVlaeminck) of Minneota, Jean (and Ron) Sik of Mankato, Gretchen (and Dennis) Buysse of Minneota, Matthew (and Dan Kirlin) Hammer of Garden City, 16 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Doris Guptill and daughter in law Sue Hammer.
Memorials are preferred to a charitable organization of the donor's choice.