Marvin Wallace Hammer, 88, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024, after a short battle with cancer.
Marvin was born the 7th child of Joseph and Irene (Aubert) Hammer on December 6, 1935, in Pringle, South Dakota. At the age of five, the family moved to Custer so that the children could attend school.
Marvin graduated from Custer High School in 1954. While in high school, he worked summers for the US Forest Service. After he graduated from high school, he worked nine months on and three months off for the Forest Service, eventually going full time in 1958.
Marvin met the love of his life, Donna Larson, in the fall of 1954 at the roller rink in Custer. They married on October 19, 1956.
Marvin retired from the US Forest Service in 1983 and moved back to Custer to help care for his parents. He went to work for the City of Custer Street Department and soon became the foreman of the street department. Marvin retired from the City of Custer in 1997.
Marvin loved anything that had to do with the outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and loved camping. He spent many hours walking the creeks and canyons in the Black Hills with his kids and grandkids. Marvin never considered it a bother to have the kids or grandkids tag along with him. He loved the hours he got to spend with them. Whether it was going for a ride through the wildlife loop, visiting with loved ones over coffee and desert Donna made or fishing, camping or hunting, Marvin was always open for the adventure. He enjoyed woodworking and building things with his hands. Marvin would spend hours in the garage building furniture, picture frames or anything else he could think of. There are many, many memories to be cherished by his children and grandchildren.
Marvin is survived by his wife of 67 years, Donna (Larson) Hammer of Custer and his special “snowball” pup Kelsey. His daughter-in-law Karen (Ellerton) Hammer of Hermosa, daughter Debra (Curtis) Jensen of Rapid City. His son, Robert (Gloria) Hammer of Ft Collins, CO and his daughter Jeannette (Ernest) Pacheco of Custer, SD; grandchildren Amber Hageman of Fairbanks, AK and Justin (Katie) Hammer of Rapid City. Amy (Hayden) McVeigh of Bellevue, NE, Aaron (Devon) Hammer of Cambridge, WI, Belinda (Brad) Brown of Broomfield, CO and Ryan Pacheco of North Glenn, CO and 10 great grandchildren. His brother James (Deb) Hammer of Pierre, SD and Chuck (Kathy) Hammer of Springfield, OR. A very, very special brother-in-law Bill (Mona Lee) Larson of Fon Du Lac, WI and special sister-in-law Elma DuChateau of Custer, SD and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Marvin was a member of Abundant Life Fellowship in Custer. Although quiet about his faith, he knew the Lord and knew that he was going to be in heaven with all those who had gone before.
Marvin was preceded in death by his son, Steven; son-in-law, Curtis; parents, sister, Evelyn; sister and brother-in-law, Leona (Don) Harding; sister and brother-in-law, Norma Jean (Dale) Bennett; brother and sister-in-law, Joseph (Delores) Hammer; brother and sister-in-law, Ernest (Mildred) Hammer; and brother, Eugene Hammer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Abundant Life Fellowship Building Fund or The Gideons.
VISITATION: Friday, February 9, 2024, from 5pm to 7pm at the Custer Senior Center
SERVICES: Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 1pm, Custer Lutheran Fellowship, 12622 US Hwy 16A, Custer, SD
Luncheon to follow.
INTERMENT: Custer Cemetery
