David Hamm

MADISON/BARABOO - David J. Hamm, age 84, died Friday, Jan. 7, 2011. David was born Dec. 26, 1926, in Rockford, Ill., to Joseph and Ada Hamm. He left high school early to join the Navy and served in the Pacific in both World War II and the Korean War. He married Barbara Ann McGraw in 1952, and they lived happily together until her death in 2006. A bright, talented, and energetic man, Dave had a long and varied work life. He was an officer with the Rockford Police Department, the Winnebago County Sheriffs Department, and the Town of Hallie. He was Reedsburgs chief of police. Interested in medicine, David was an emergency medical technician who trained other EMTs. He loved public speaking and helped found Toastmasters in Reedsburg. He was also an excellent salesman and manager, working first with Holly Stores, a retailer of women's and children's clothing, then with Kmart. Dave was promoted to district manager, overseeing departments in stores across the upper Midwest. When constant relocation began to affect his family, he left Kmart and took what jobs he could find, including one summer, digging basements by hand. He was happiest when employed, worked well into his 70s, and taught all of us the importance and meaning of work. David was a good provider, a wonderful husband and care giver to his wife, a dear friend, and a great dad. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; and his brothers, Larry and Bob. Survivors include his children, Jeffrey (Andrea Schauer), Joseph, Julie (David Gussel), and Jennifer (Charles Hughes); ten grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. Profound thanks go to the Badger Prairie Health Care Center staff, and especially to those on 2 South. A memorial gathering will be planned for the summer. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to your favorite charity. Drive safely, Dad! Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to your favorite charity. Service: A memorial gathering will be planned for the summer.