Larry Gene Hammen

Larry Gene Hammen, age 63 of Random Lake, passed away on Sunday afternoon, May 19, 2024, at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice in Sheboygan Falls. Larry went home to heaven after his valiant battle with Metastatic Melanoma in the loving embrace of his wife Karen, son Scott, and family gathered around him.

Born on February 28, 1961 in West Bend, Larry was the son of Willard and Bernice (nee Degnitz) Hammen. Larry grew up in Random Lake and graduated from Random Lake High School in 1980.

Larry married his forever love, Karen Alexander, on February 2, 1985 in Silver Creek. Larry and Karen had two beautiful children, Scott and Kati, and enjoyed life side by side with each other, growing in love and togetherness.

In his professional life, Larry worked in maintenance at Lakeside Foods and Times Printing for brief periods before he followed his heart and dreams and began his own company, Quality Home Services. If there was a structure, Larry could roof it; and, in fact, he “roofed his way around the area” he would joke. His awareness and expertise for building quality roofs was second to none, and his understanding of leaks and problems were oftentimes astonishing.

Larry was proud of his accomplishments; he was skilled, knowledgeable, had an intrinsic eye for detail orientation, and most importantly – he was humble. He loved what he did, the people he helped, and his heart was in his company. This is just one of the many testaments to his character.

After he became ill in 2017, he had to switch career paths and worked in the commercial lighting industry until his medical issues forced him to retire in 2023 after 40 years doing what he loved. It was more than just the actual work to Larry – he formed many bonds, connections, and friendships with those along the way.

On Sunday afternoons, you could find Larry getting his hands dirty on the pit crews at Slinger Super Speedway (we really think it was just an excuse to be with friends). Then, on Monday nights, Larry would lace up his bowling shoes and shine his ball to hit the lanes at Globe Lanes in Random Lake. Larry worked hard and practiced often, and it paid off for him last year when he bowled a perfect 300. That night, the team also broke two county record with their scores.

As a loyal Packer fan, there was not a Packer game Larry missed. Whether it was on TV, or Larry and his brother, Dale, made the trip to Green Bay, Larry was ‘backin’ the Pack’. Larry was hopeful – certain even – that they would win the Super Bowl, year after year. He at least got to see two Super Bowl wins in his lifetime.

Larry was a true patriot. He loved guns, shooting, and reloading, and was  a member of the West Bend Barton Sportsman’s Club. More than a patriot, Larry was a family man. He and Karen enjoyed getting up every morning and sitting in the hot tub, watching the sunrise, and listening to the birds. Larry loved watching the sunrises over Lake Michigan and the sunsets in Naples, Florida.

Together, Larry and Karen would enjoy quality time over their favorite coffee, Starbucks. Larry was very generous with his time, talents, and knowledge; always willing to help or lend an ear, which is how he cultivated so many connections and friendships along the way.

His strong will, character, and most importantly, faith, bolstered his 41 years of sobriety and especially helped him and Karen after losing their daughter, Kati, in 2009 at age 21. They were left with a blessing after Kati’s passing in the form of their most precious gift of life, their first grandson Calen Baumann.

It’s hard to condense 63 years of this wonderful man into ten paragraphs – and we’re thankful that it’s a challenge. It shows you what kind of man Larry was, and how incredibly deeply we will miss his stories, his smile, his warmth, and his love. It is a comfort knowing Larry was greeted in heaven with a hug from our Lord and his daughter, Kati.

Larry was further preceded in death by his parents; Karen’s parents, Jim and Corrine Alexander; and good friend and cousin, Gary Goedde.

Left behind to carry on Larry’s memory include his loving wife of 39 years, Karen; his son whom he was so proud of, Scott; Brad (Lauren) Baumann; his precious grandchildren he loved so much, Calen, Emma, and Bryson Baumann; brothers, Richard (Sally) of Hingham, Jerry (Mary) of Plymouth, Dale (Sandy) of Kohler; brothers-in-law, Michael (Jen) Alexander of West Bend, David (Sue) Alexander of Naples, Florida, and Tom (Liz) Alexander of West Bend; as well as all of his special nieces and nephews, and friends.

VISITATION: Larry’s family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church (7750 WI-144 N, West Bend, WI – 53090) in a period of visitation starting at 4:00 p.m., until 6:45 p.m.

SERVICE: A Funeral Service in honor of Larry will follow the visitation at the church, beginning at 7:00 p.m. A private graveside service will take place on Friday in Silver Creek at St. Paul’s Cemetery.

There are so many people to thank for their help and impact on Larry’s life; most recently, a special thanks to his Ascension Oncology doctors and nurses, Froedtert Oncology – Hope Clinic, and the University of Chicago TILS Team. We are also very thankful for the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice group for their loving care and compassion and the serene and comforting environment.

As Larry would say, “See ya on the beach.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Larry can be directed to the family.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Larry’s arrangements. Additional information and Tribute Wall may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.