Irene C. Hammer

Irene C. Hammer 83, 910 Nina Ave., Wausau, died Monday, November 15, 2004 at the Hospice House, Wausau. She was born April 29, 1921 in Decatur, Ind., the only child of the late Albert and Catherine (Wolpert) Siegrist. Her parents moved to Madison, where she graduated from Central High School, she then enrolled in St. Mary School of Nursing and transferred to North West School of X-ray. After graduation, she accepted a position at St. Mary Hospital in Wausau. Irene also worked at the former Memorial Hospital and for many years with Dr. Merritt Jones and Dr. Roy Larsen. On August 30, 1944, she married Jack W. Hammer in Madison. They were blessed with a wonderful son, Thomas, whom God called to his Home while he was a student at University of Wisconsin Marathon Campus. Tom was the joy of their lives for his 19 years. After 51 memorable years, Jack too, joined his beloved son in his eternal home. Irene now completes the family again. Irene enjoyed life to the fullest, and was involved in her church and community in a variety of ways. A longtime member of the Catholic Woman's Club, St. Michael Parish Council of Catholic Women, Cub and Girl Scouting for 14 years in the Marian Award Program, receiving their highest award, the St. George Medal. She was a longtime volunteer at the Wausau Community Hospital, American Cancer Society, YWCA and YMCA. She loved life and lived it to the fullest each day. Her friends and their lives, shared with her, were especially precious. Her flower garden and home provided her with the happiest of times. Along with Jack and Tom, they traveled extensively in the U.S. and Canada. After Tom's death, they took several European trips, which added new memories for their remaining 51 years together. Irene is survived by cousins in Ohio and Indiana, a host of friends whom she treasured as her "adopted family'. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Friday, November 19, 2004 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. William Grevatch will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again from 10:30 a.m. Friday until time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com