Kenneth A. Hammes

Kenneth August Hammes passed away at the age of 90, on Friday, January 9, 2026 after a short but brave battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a kind man who loved a good joke, his Manhattans, a competitive game of cribbage, the Green Bay Packers, Brewers, Badgers and the Yankees. He would, however, bravely attend games with his children and grandchildren of rival teams such as the Steelers, the Colts, and even the LA Dodgers.

His laughter could fill up a room, and he made a friend wherever he went. He will be missed by all who knew him, but he left everyone with a mountain of memories to cherish.

Ken was born on January 3, 1936, to Leo and Irene (Gronemus) Hammes in La Crosse, WI. He was the oldest of eight siblings. Ken graduated from Bangor High School in 1953 and began working for his uncle at Hammes Truck Sales in La Crosse. In August of 1957 he married Darlene Kneifl, the mother of his three children, Greg, Gary and Sue. They relocated to Wausau where he got a job working for North Central Airlines/Northwest Airlines, retiring in 1993.

Upon Ken’s retirement, he started a second career driving motor coach for Lamers Bus Line. His travels allowed him to visit all of the continental United States, as well as most of Canada, including Winnipeg, east to Toronto, Montreal, Quebec, and all of Novia Scotia. He retired a second time in 2014.

Ken enjoyed travel with his longtime companion, Louann Roehr. Their adventures took them to Texas, the Gulf Shores, Palm Springs, and many other destinations.

Ken worked hard to provide his children with opportunities he wasn’t able to enjoy in his childhood. He coached his boys in Little League when they were young, encouraging all three kids to be involved in various sports and school activities. He was the president of the DC Everest Parents Athletic Club when his children were in high school, helping to organize fundraisers and parent participation. One of the most memorable things his children will cherish about their father is how he introduced them to the joy of travel, taking advantage of his airline benefits and flying them to places they otherwise would not have seen.

Ken was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council and the Elks Club. He was also on the board of his condominium association for many years, going above and beyond to help his neighbors. He was fondly known by his condo neighbors as “The Mayor.”

He will be dearly missed by his three children who adored and respected him immensely: Greg (Debbie) Hammes, Gary (Lisa) Hammes, and Sue (Anthony) Marguleas. His seven grandchildren will also miss his quick wit and humor: Jessica (James) Walker, Kelsey Hammes (Nate Bueche), Katie Hammes (Preston Coates), and Max (Charlotte Queen), Sam, Anna and Jack Marguleas. His three great-granddaughters, Charlotte, Fiona and Tess Walker, loved their Grandpa Ken. Ken is survived by two siblings, his brother Leo Hammes and his sister Renee Hammes, and his loving companion, Louann Roehr. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Ronald, David, Robert, Jerome and Mary Ellen Pitz, his second wife, Suzie Fink, as well as many other close relatives.

A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at St. Anne Catholic Church in Wausau, Wisconsin. Visitation will be on January 19, 2026, from 4:00 until 7:00 pm at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on January 20, 2026 at St. Anne Catholic Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

The family would like to thank Aspirus Hospice, especially his nurse, Carla, and dear friends Jackie Yeager, M.D. and Sue Soriano for their friendship and care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ken’s name to Neighbor’s Place or Salvation Army.