Merlin K. Hammer, 74, Waterford, died April 23, 2013, peacefully with his family by his side at Zilber Family Hospice in Wauwatosa. He was born in Cochrane, Wis., to the late Marvin and Eva Hammer.
He married Kate Ganka in Eau Claire. They had eight children and have been residents of Waterford since 1964. He was a retired Waterford High School algebra teacher and painter.
Survivors include his wife; children, Will (Lisa), Wind Lake, Steve (Cheryl), Toledo, Ohio, Beth Hammer, Wauwatosa, Fritz (Susie), Endeavor, Jack (Lori), Mauston, Cathy Hammer, Tucson, Ed (Sef Moore), Milwaukee and Jane (Kevin) Kershasky, Waukesha; grandchildren, Megan, Abbie, Sara, Matthew, Jessica, Anna, Rachel, Greg, Nathan, Grace, Ruth, Joe; three stepsons; sisters, Emily Brommer, Nelson, Goldene (Orville) Helwig, Independence. Marie (Duane) Hund, Fountain City; sister-in-law, Margaret ‘Mo’ (David) Dobkoski. East Troy; brother-in-law, Bob (Ann) Ganka; many other relatives and friends.
He was further preceded in death by his grandson Josh, sister Sandy, mother- and father-in-law, Robert and Miriam Ganka; sister-in-law, Mary Fran Winrich; brother-in-law, Glen Brommer.
Visitation is Thursday, April 25, from 4-7 p.m., and Friday, April 26, from 10-10:45 a.m., at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 307 S. First St., Waterford. Mass of Christian Burial is Friday at 11 a.m., at the church. Burial will be in St. Thomas Cemetery following Mass. Mealy Funeral Home, Waterford, is serving the family.
In lieu of floral expressions of sympathy, the family suggests memorials to Society of St. Vincent De Paul or St. Thomas Aquinas Building Fund.
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Awesome man he sure was good to me he believed in me I was so blessed to have knowen him and to have him as my teacher My name is was Carol De Grave