James W. Hamer, age 90 of Markesan, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2019 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton.

Visitation for James will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St., Markesan from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Dalton.

James was born on July 22, 1929 in rural Dalton, the son of Roland and Gertrude (Schwock) Hamer. On October 21, 1950, he was united in marriage to Rosemary Meyer in Kingston. A lifelong farmer, James also drove truck for Droste Trucking and other trucking companies. Having a passion for serving the community, James was a volunteer fireman for the Dalton Fire Department, served on the Green Lake County Board, and was the parade director for the Dalton parade. Being one with a strong opinion, he enjoyed writing letters to the editors of local newspapers expressing his political beliefs. James enjoyed tinkering and making things; he built trailers, canoes, and even a pontoon boat. Together with his wife, he took great pride in their large vegetable gardens and gladiolus flowers at their home in Montello. Known to be a goofball, James was truly the best dad ever.

James is survived by his children, Kris (Arick) Wagner of Juneau, Lilah (Mike) Farrell of Dalton, Annie (Terry) Zanto of Indiana, Charlie Hamer of Markesan, Dennis Hamer of Ripon, James (fiancée, Suzana Gossett) Hamer of Wauwatosa; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Stephen Flaherty of Montello; and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rosemary in April 2019; daughter-in-law, Sue Hamer; granddaughter, Mariah Moderow; and sister, Arvelva "Dede" Flaherty.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Markesan is honored to be serving the family.