Michael Hammer

Michael J. “Mike” Hammer, age 73 of Waupun, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Mike was born September 2, 1952 in Waupun, the son of William and Carole (Ousterling) Hammer. Mike attended St. Joseph’s School in Waupun through third grade before attending Jefferson School and Waupun Middle School and graduating from Waupun High School in 1972. On September 11, 1976, he married Debra Ann Vande Zande at Bethel Reformed Church in Brandon. The couple purchased a home in 1977 in Waupun where they resided all their married lives.

Mike was employed by Wisconsin Corrections in Waupun for 33 years, spending 17 years at “The Walls,” and 16 years at Dodge Correctional Institution from which he retired as a sergeant. Mike and Deb enjoyed attending many racetracks in Wisconsin and NASCAR races all over the United States, particularly North and South Carolina. Mike was a member of Union-Congregational Church in Waupun.

Mike is survived by his wife, Debra Hammer; brother, John “Jack” Hammer; niece, Tammy (Nick) Caputa and their children, Emily, Cody, and Jacob; nephew, Tom Hammer and his daughter, Madeline; niece, Andrea (John) Huss; nephew, Steve Vande Zande; aunts, Nancy Ousterling Buss and Lorraine Vande Zande; and further survived by other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mike Hammer will be held Tuesday, May 12, at 11:30 a.m. at Union-Congregational Church, 125 Beaver Dam Street, Waupun, with Rev. Jacob Nault officiating. Burial will follow at Union Prairie Cemetery near Brandon. Friends and relatives may call on the family at church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.