Paul Edward Hammes

Paul Edward Hammes

November 12, 1955 – July 5, 2018

Paul Edward Hammes, age 62, passed away on July 5, 2018 in Hayward, Wisconsin after a beautiful week making memories at the cabin with his family, including the celebration of his 40th wedding anniversary to his dear wife, Linda Hammes.  Although his passing comes much too soon, Paul beat the odds and blessed his family with almost 12 more years following a stem cell transplant to treat t-cell lymphoma.  Paul was born on November 12, 1955 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Wilbert Peter and Mary Catherine (Althoff) Hammes.   He was united in marriage to his “pal,” Linda Joy Pretasky on June 17, 1978 in La Crosse.  Paul earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he was a proud recipient of the Evans Scholarship and graduated with Phi Beta Kappa and XXX honors.  He worked at Cargill for 25 years in various merchandising, asset management, and transportation roles throughout the United States and Canada.  Paul spent the last 11 years of his career at Union Pacific Railroad, including 8 years as Vice President and General Manager of Agricultural Products in Marketing and Sales.  He was honored to volunteer as a mentor to students at Boys Town.

After retirement, Paul, Linda, and their family enjoyed boating and spending time together at their cabin on Round Lake in Hayward.  Paul was an avid runner who ran several marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 2004.   He enjoyed traveling and golfing, and was a loyal Badger, Packer, and Brewer fan.  Most of all, Paul was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who loved to spend time with his adoring grandchildren.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his children Paul (Anna) Hammes, Jennifer Hammes, and Mary (Joe) Gruhn; his four grandchildren, Millie and Maggie Hammes and Thomas and Leona Gruhn; his siblings, John (Nancy) Hammes, MaryAnne (Charlie) Ihle, Rita (Bob) Nydam, Bernadette (Sebby) Gutierrez, Pete (Stephanie) Hammes, Eileen (Dan) Ploussard; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.  In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph in infancy.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 12th from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, 7805 W. Center Rd., followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm.  VISITATION on Friday, July 13th beginning at 9:30am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 14330 Eagle Run Drive, Omaha, followed by MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 10:30am.  Private Interment.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Lymphoma Research Foundation or the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at University of Nebraska Medical Center.

 

12 Comments

  • Joe, Imelda, & Nathan Hammes Posted July 9, 2018 6:15 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Uncle Paul is an exemplary man. He set an example hard to follow but one I to emulate. God Bless.

  • Jill, Mike and Dean Marshall Posted July 9, 2018 8:01 pm

    Dear Linda and Family;
    We are so saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. We enjoyed having him in our home over the years during the FL “Caddie Cup”. Each visit I learned more about you and your family. Paul shared with such pride and joy about you, your children and grandchildren. We admired his enduring strength and his love of family and friends. The group of men that gather in Florida every year will surely feel a void without Paul around, but, he won’t be far from their recall with wonderful memories.
    God blessed Paul with so many things in life. His faith in Christ is blessing him now with peace in heaven. We pray that God will comfort you and your family during this time of great loss.

    With heartfelt sympathy,
    Jill, Mike,and Dean Marshall

  • Sue Gordon Posted July 10, 2018 7:22 am

    Linda and family-my heart breaks for all of you. Sending hugs and peaceful thoughts~~Sue

  • Carolyn Muchow Posted July 10, 2018 7:44 am

    Dear Friend Linda and Family-I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Paul’s passing. I wish I could be there in Omaha for the funeral, but please know that I am thinking about you and praying for you-God Bless!

  • Gregg Cesario Posted July 10, 2018 11:22 am

    Hammes’ Family,
    Beyond golf, we shared a similar medical journey of Stem Cell Transplant so when we got together it was more than just about about golf. This leukemia treatment is not a well traveled road by many but those who have share a bond that others will not truly understand. What a great fighter in the face of adversity from many directions as a result of the procedure and his condition.
    I will think of our times on the course together and our conversations…well, just for the heck of it…
    Rest in peace, Hammer…I loved your spirit and strength…

  • Kathy & Bill (Taylor) Spencer Posted July 10, 2018 1:38 pm

    Linda, I was so saddened to hear of the passing of your husband. He sure was a fighter. I hope the years that passed since his diagnosis were filled with joy and beautiful memories for you and your family. Bless you for the years you were his caregiver. Prayers for you and your family.

  • Dennis Fedele Posted July 10, 2018 3:23 pm

    I first met Hammer in Florida at Caddie Cup event. I was amazed at how nice and outgoing he was. He had the a great personality , and was very knowledgeable about all the business questions we spoke about and just about any subject I’d bring up. What a great guy. You will truly be missed.

  • Lael Byrne Posted July 10, 2018 7:55 pm

    Was so very sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. You were such a loving couple and I loved seeing all of your photos together over the years and most especially your 40th anniversary pictures together with his family. He beat the odds for many years and I am so happy for you both that you had those years together. You made them count. I have so many memories of him with the boys growing up. Dan was telling me a story tonight about Paul. Just brought tears to my eyes. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know he is with you up there right now and forever more.

  • Kim (Lamprecht) DiNapoli Posted July 10, 2018 8:20 pm

    Linda & Hammes family, my heart is so heavy receiving the news of Paul’s passing.. Always a man of integrity, fairness and customer advocacy, I learned so much from him during our time together at UP. When I left the company in 2008, he wrote me one of the kindest notes I’ve ever received. Even 10 years later, it’s still one of my most prized possessions. The world is better for having had him in it. My deepest condolences at this very sad time.

  • DeAnna Fitzgerald Posted July 13, 2018 8:56 am

    Our condolences to the family.
    Western Milling — Kevin Kruse, Tony Correia and Joe Guenley

  • Charlene (Hundt) and Thomas Mashak Posted July 29, 2018 8:13 pm

    So very sorry to hear of Paul” passing. Though it has many years , as cousins we played at the Hundt farm many times.

  • Laurie and Jim Egan, Eden Prairie, MN Posted July 30, 2018 11:46 am

    We are so very sorry to hear about Paul. So nice that you two were able to celebrate your anniversary in such a favorite, special place!
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Peace and love to you all.

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