Mary Ann Hammer, 89, of Hutchinson passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 2 p.m. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson with interment in the church cemetery.
Clergy Officiating: Father Paul Wolf; Organist: Bonnie Westmiller; Song Leader: Lucy Newcomb; Musical Selections: “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman”, “Here I Am, Lord”, “The Lord is My Life”, “Be Not Afraid”, “I Am the Bread of Life”, “Song of Farewell”, “On Eagle’s Wings”; Special Music: Great- Grandchildren “Jesus Loves Me”; Urn Bearer: Daughter, Sue Becker; Honorary Urn Bearers: Grandchildren: John Hammer, Jeff Hammer, Katie Hammer, Brittney Swenson, Lauren Schloeder, Stephanie Schmitt.
Mary Ann Hammer was born on November 26, 1934, in Eden Valley. She was the daughter of Martin and Ellen (Dougherty) Brulla. She was baptized as an infant and confirmed in her faith as a youth, both at Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley. Mary received her education in Eden Valley and was a graduate of the Eden Valley High School class of 1952. She furthered her education at the Business College in St. Cloud. Mary then was employed as a deputy county clerk at the courthouse in Stearns County.
On December 29, 1955, Mary was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Louis Hammer at Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley. They made their home in Hutchinson and joined St. Anastasia Catholic Church. Their marriage was blessed with five children, Rick, Sue, Gary, Sandy, and Tom.
Mary chose to be a full time mom and stayed at home to raise her children. She loved to cook and bake for her family and always welcomed visitors with a smile, kindness and fresh baked goods. After her children were grown, she worked in management for 25 years at Shopko in Hutchinson. She retired in 1997. Mary and Bob shared 63 years of marriage prior to Bob’s passing on May 15, 2019.
Mary loved her role as mom and grandma. Attending her grandkids sporting events, band and choir concerts and other events. Throughout the years Mary volunteered and was active at St. Anastasia Catholic Church with CCW, teaching CCD and assuming the role of hostess at funerals for many years. In Mary’s younger years she enjoyed traveling, bowling, reading, and playing cards, her favorites were Bridge and 500. She enjoyed time spent with her family, especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mary was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and eventually needed assistance with her daily care, she became a resident of Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. There she found new things she loved to do. Bell choir, BINGO, coloring and painting, workbook activities, music and found comfort in holding baby dolls. Even though Mary’s cooking and baking days were over she enjoyed all the meals provided… especially the desserts. She truly had a “sweet tooth”. Mary spent over 8 1 ⁄ 2 years at Harmony River and it was her home. Blessed be her memory.
Mary is survived by her: Children, Sue Becker and her husband Mike of Hutchinson; Gary Hammer and his wife Stacy of Hutchinson; Tom Hammer and his wife Beth of Howard Lake; grandchildren, John Hammer and his wife Kelsey, Jeff Hammer and his wife Erin, Katie Hammer, Brittney Swenson and her husband Zak, Lauren Schloeder and her husband Nick, and Stephanie Schmitt; step-grandchildren, Tommy Horn and Ellie Horn; great-grandchildren, Quinn and Brooke Swenson, Colbie and Watson Schloeder, Hadley and Odin Hammer, Isla, McHale, and Milo Hammer, Kolton and Kashton Schmitt; sister, Patty Westerhoff of St. Joseph; many other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Ellen Brulla; husband, Bob Hammer; son, Rick Hammer; daughter, Sandra Erickson; brothers, Leonard and Donald Brulla; sister, Elaine Hartz.
The family of Mary would like to thank the staff at Harmony River Living Center for providing a happy, safe and loving home for Mary. The wonderful care and kindness will be remembered always.
In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations in the name of Mary Hammer to either Alzheimer’s Association, Harmony River Living Center, or St. Anastasia Catholic Church.
Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Chapels in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guestbook available at www.hantge.com. Please click on Obituaries/Guest Book.
