Sanford "Sam" Hamre

LODI/PORTAGE-Sanford “Sam” Hamre, age 77, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on March 5, 2018 after a long battle with Parkinson’s. He was born on December 22, 1940, the son of Ervin and Myrtle (Hanson) Hamre. Sam was united in marriage to Louise Stoltenberg on May 11, 1963. He worked with Michel Plumbing and Heating for over 30 years, retiring as a partner. Sam will be remembered as a proud and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He believed strongly in his faith and found great enjoyment in curling golfing and attending Badger basketball and football games, cheering for the Pack and being with family and friends. Sam is survived by his wife of 54 years, Louise; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Charlie Veling and his grandchildren, Zachary and Katarina Veling, whom he loved spending time with and attending their school and sports events. He is further survived by his brother, Richard (Jan) Hamre; sister, Laurel (Jon) Herwig; brother-in-law, Joe Christian; sisters-in-law, Judy Hamre, Jackie Hamre, Shirley Stoltenberg, Dorothy Stoltenberg, Marie Vent and Elaine (Keith) Podoll and many nieces, nephews and friends. Sam was preceded in death by his daughter, Tracey; sisters, Kathy and Karen; brothers, Everett, Carlton and infant Ronald; nephew, Todd Wendt; brothers-in-law, Harold and James Stoltenberg. Funeral Services will be held at the FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 206 Pleasant St., Lodi, at 11 a.m.  on Saturday, March 10, 2018, with Pastor Mike Lee and Pastor Dan Pulsfus officiating. Interment will be in Dekorra Lutheran Cemetery. A lunch will be held at 12:30 p.m. at Rex’s Innkeeper. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON LODI FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 157 South Main St., Lodi from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 9, 2018 and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials to Agrace HospiceCare, Wisconsin Parkinson’s Foundation or First Lutheran Church. Thank you to Agrace Hospice team, Megan, Erica, Natalie, Amy, Erin, Kim, Brianna and Kelly for their compassionate care and special thanks to Pastor Dan Pulsfus for his many visits and prayers. “You can shed tears because he’s gone or you can smile because he lived.” Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Lodi Funeral & Cremation Care 157 S. Main Street (608)592-3201