Raymond J. Hammer

Raymond J. Hammer, 80, of Gibsonburg, died with his family at his bedside on Sunday evening at Valley View Health Care Center, Fremont. He was born on May 18, 1928 in Fremont to Macey and Clara (Magrum) Hammer. On July 5, 1949 he was married by Rev. Thomas Marlborough to Vivian Kohler at St. Michael Catholic Church, Gibsonburg. She survives.

Raymond worked at various jobs at Dolite and National Gypsum and was a Boiler Operator at Whirlpool Corp. in Clyde for 23 years retiring from there in 1993. He graduated from Barber College in 1959 and worked at the Village Barbershop in Woodville for many years. He also farmed until 1987. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Ray enjoyed spending time with his family and woodworking.

Surviving are children: Ron (Joann) Hammer, Sharon (Dan) Heminger of Gibsonburg, Jeffrey (Peggy Ann) Hammer of Helena, Julie (Paul) Picciuto, Jeannie M (Vern) Brink of Gibsonburg, Scott of Miami, Florida, Cindy Hammer, Danny (Robin) Hammer, Rosemary (Jerry) Widmer all of Gibsonburg and Peggy Sue (Kenny) Halbisen of Fremont; 22 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; siblings, Irene Lowery of Fostoria, Kathryn (Dick) Kohler of Gibsonburg, Carl (Sonja) Hammer of Portage, OH, Paul (Barb) Hammer all of Gibsonburg, Phillip (Joyce) Hammer of Helena, Franklin Eugene (Bernie) Hammer of Oak Harbor, Judy (Ralph) Porter of Weston, OH and Susie Miller of Hilliard, OH. He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, Patrick and sisters, Ruth and Mary Lee Hammer.

Ray was a good friend of Dr. Bob and Bill W. for 34 years.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 from 1-3 & 5-8 p.m. at the Herman-Kinn-Veh Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Gibsonburg. A Funeral Mass will be said on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church with Rev. Don Mueller and Deacon Jim Hammer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Memorial Hospital, St. Michaels Catholic Church or to the Sandusky County Sportmens Club in Raymonds memory.