Richard Hammes' Obituary
Dr. Richard Robert Hammes, age 83, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2015, in peace, surrounded by his loving family who now celebrate that he is with his heavenly Father and family that have passed before him. Richard, “Dick,” died of complications from Parkinson’s Disease, a cruel and disabling condition that he suffered from and courageously struggled through over the past seven years.
Dick was born on January 30, 1932, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He excelled academically and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Wisconsin State College, his Master’s in Educational Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and his Ph.D. in Educational Administration from University of Wisconsin-Madison. During this time Dick served his country for two years as a drummer in the United States Army Band.
Dick began his professional career as a Junior High School teacher in Milwaukee, then became an Assistant Professor at Concordia College in Milwaukee. After achieving his PhD, Dick continued his career at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh as a Professor in the College of Education. Highlights of Dick’s 26 year career at UW-O include Principal of the Campus School, host of one of the early cable broadcast academic series - “Seminar on the 70’s,” Director of Research, Associate Dean, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of the Teacher Corps Project, Coordinator of the Cooperative Program in Educational Administration, Chairperson of the Department of Human Services and Professional Leadership. In addition, he was awarded and completed numerous grants and professional publications, and presented at several national conferences. Following retirement, Dick consulted and taught at Silver Lake College.
Despite all of his professional accomplishments, the foundation of Dick’s life was his faith and his family. Dick met Sandi, the love of his life, in 1957 through church at a Luther League meeting. They married in 1958. Five children were born in the first six years of their marriage. Dick was a devoted family man who held a deep love for his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchild; all held a very special place in his heart. Dick was a committed Christian whose spiritual gifts included leadership and administration within the church. This passion led to several roles ranging from serving in church governance, developing a Stephen Ministry and subsequent training of Stephen ministers, and joyously singing in the choir. He humbly shared his love of God, and his religious convictions were demonstrated each and every day of his life. Dick also had the wonderful faith attribute of being able to endear all those around him with his infectious sense of humor. Dick enjoyed a good game of tennis, loved cruises and traveling, was an avid Packer fan, and always appreciated a quality cigar with his sons.
Mourning the loss of this inspirational man include his wife of 57 years, Sandi; daughters Deb Hammes, Sue Pergal (Jeff); sons, Rick Hammes (Helena), Bob Hammes (Rachel), Mark Hammes (Rachel); granddaughters, Courtney Beatty (Bret), Stephanie Hammes, Amanda Bobholz (Marc), Leanna Hammes, Alyssa Hammes, Leah Hammes; grandsons, Nicholas Pergal, Nicholas Federspiel; great-grandson, Mason Bobholz.
A celebration of the life of Richard Robert Hammes will take place on Thursday, July 23, 2015, at 11am at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2580 W. 9th Ave, Oshkosh, WI, 54904. Rev. Timothy Routh. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 am with the funeral service at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, 2580 W. 9th Ave. Oshkosh, WI 54904.
Fiss & Bills Funeral Home
865 S. Westhaven Drive
Oshkosh, WI 54904
(920) 235-1170
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