Michael Frederick Hammett

Michael Frederick Hammett (1956-2026).

Michael F. Hammett, 69, passed away unexpectedly, though peacefully, on February 2, 2026, with his beloved wife of 22 years, Ann Hammett (Kallas) by his side. Michael (Mike), son of the late Earl D. Hammett and Mary Celeste Hammett (Marcey) was born on February 10, 1956 in Burlingame, California. His family returned shortly after his birth to Wisconsin and settled in the Sheboygan area when their family business moved into its new facility in 1960. He remained a resident for the rest of his life.

Mike graduated from Kohler High School in 1975. He obtained his degree in Finance from Marquette University in 1979. While attending Marquette, Mike did what he has always done best – work hard and play hard – as he simultaneously pursued his career at Watry Industries, Inc., the permanent mold aluminum casting foundry founded by his grandfather in late 1955.

Mike dedicated his entire professional career to Watry, retiring in 2007 as Watry's then-President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board. He was immensely proud of being recognized as Wisconsin's Small Business Person of the Year by the Small Business Administration in 1998. It was also under his leadership that the Company received the award as Wisconsin's Manufacturer of the Year in 1997, and Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Award (large company of 100+ employees) by the Family Business Center in 2005.

Mike and Ann (Annie) were married in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 22, 2004. They have shared immense joy, laughter, and adventure not only together, but with their family and wide circle of friends. Mike loved to share his passion for cooking, entertaining, business, politics, and the Green Bay Packers.

In the brief time since his passing, many of those who knew Mike in any capacity have expressed a similar sentiment: he was larger than life; it doesn't seem possible that he could be gone. He would have loved being described in that way. He loved his family tremendously and he was loved beyond measure in return. He also would have wanted us to remember that he didn't miss out on anything. He loved life and he lived it to the fullest.

In addition to Annie, Michael is survived by his children, Ericka Hammett and Bradley Hammett, and their mother Marie Hammett; his grandson, Malakiah Hammett; his sister, Elizabeth (Thomas) Kohlbeck and their children Doug, Rebecca, and Olivia; his brother, David Hammett; his sister-in-law, Kay Sbarbaro and her daughters Coral and Tracy; brothers-in-law, Ted Kallas and his son Steven, and Mark (Kim) Kallas and their children Kyle and Nina; cousins Debra Abplanalp and Nicholas Gotchy, and dear friends too numerous to mention.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Charles (Ted) and Mary Kallas; his grandparents, Nic J. and Emelyne O. Watry; and a nephew, Brandon Hammett.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on February 9, 2026 at Suchon Funeral Home, located at 1317 State Rd. 67, Plymouth, Wisconsin 53073. An additional visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on February 10, 2026, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, located at 730 County Rd. PPP, Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin 53085, with a service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sheboygan County Food Bank, The Sheboygan Salvation Army, or American Diabetes Association.