Earl Robert Hamm

MONONA - Earl Robert Hamm, age 70, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026. He was born on July 8, 1956, the son of Albert and Jeannette (Donner) Hamm.

A 1975 graduate of La Follette High School, Earl went on to work at Oscar Mayer after first working for Interpane, where he played a role in coating the glass with gold for the Mirage Casino in Las Vegas. It was during his early years working at Big Jon’s Restaurant, formerly the Monona Drive Inn, that he met his wife, Sue, where she worked as a waitress and he was a cook. They were married for 45 years.

Earl was affectionately called the “King of Sarcasm” and his magnetic personality was well loved. His family cherished him for his unwavering care for Sue and their son, Brian, until the very end. Earl shared a deep and wonderful relationship with Brian, often spending their mornings discussing the world’s events, after Brian returned home from work.

Earl had a passionate love for fishing and hunting, frequently packing up the car with a cooler and poles to head to their favorite spot near Prairie du Sac and Montello. Despite the challenges posed by Multiple Sclerosis, he switched to a cane pole to continue his love for fishing. He took great pride in passing his enthusiasm and love for hunting and fishing on to his son, Brian.

 An avid sports fan, Earl enjoyed watching NFL Football, NASCAR, and golf. He found particular joy on Sundays when “the Packers and the Cowboys both lost.” In his younger days, he was known for his “super speed ball” in bowling, a unique style that left an impression on those who witnessed it. He would gear up, do the motions and then drop the ball at the last minute; watching as it took forever to get to the pins. He enjoyed going to the local casino, always hoping for the “big” win.  He also enjoyed engaging in lively conversations with Brian’s friends and was known to get playfully riled up. 

A devoted animal lover, Earl always had a dog by his side. Most recently, he was accompanied by Maggie, and he fondly remembered his beloved dogs Brandy, Ginger and Annie who had crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Earl is survived by his wife, Sue Hamm; son, Brian Hamm; niece, Julie (Matt Murphy) Braith; sister, Deborah Morris; brother-in-law and lifelong friend, Mike Stewart; and best friend, Jeff (Sandy) Hoene; many nieces and nephews and his dog, Maggie.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Don Braith and Albert “Skip” Hamm Jr; and sister-in-law Carol Braith.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, led by Rev. Mark Bartels. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks for the love and support they have received during this time. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420