Rikki J. Hammel

Rikki J. Hammel, age 50, of Cato, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, December 5, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones after a courageous 2½-year battle with brain cancer.

Rikki was born on March 30, 1975, in Manitowoc, to Paul and Julie (Nicklaus) Schroeder. She grew up in Collins and moved to Manitowoc during her later high school years. Rikki graduated from Manitowoc Lutheran High School in 1993. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and later became a Nurse Practitioner. Rikki found her calling in helping others and built a fulfilling career at Forefront Dermatology, where she worked until her illness no longer allowed. The people that came to see her were her driving force. Her work family was one of her greatest blessings, and the friendships she formed there were truly special.

On October 3, 1998, Rikki married Scott Hammel at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church in Manitowoc. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and faith. Their daughters, Kendra and Carissa, were the light of Rikki's world. To say she adored them would be an understatement-they were her greatest pride and joy. When she wasn't traveling the country for softball or basketball tournaments, she could be found reading a good book, tending to her garden (she even enjoyed pulling weeds!), or walking the family dog, Ryder. She also loved nights out for dinner and a glass of wine with "the girls," cherishing every laugh and conversation.

Family was Rikki's world. She adored spending time with her nieces and nephews, spending weekends at the cabin in northern Wisconsin, or simply catching up at family gatherings with relatives she may not see too often. Rikki was intentional in everything she did-whether caring for her patients, supporting her friends, or creating memories with her loved ones, she did it all with purpose, compassion, and love.

To know Rikki was to love Rikki. She was the epitome of kindness, grace, and strength-a natural leader with a tender heart. Helping others was woven into her very being. Even in her passing, Rikki continues to help others by donating her brain to the Medical College of Wisconsin to further research and give hope to those who will face the same diagnosis. Her giving spirit and unwavering faith will continue to touch lives for years to come.

Our family could not have fought this battle without the love, support, and prayers from everyone. We'd like to offer a special thanks to Dr. Jennifer Connelly, Neuro-Oncologist at Froedtert; Stephanie from HomeCare Health Services & Hospice; and Sammi, McKayla, and Amy from Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. We are forever grateful for the impact you have had on our family through the hardest days of our lives.

Growing up, Rikki was a member of St Peter's Ev. Lutheran Church in Collins, WI. She transferred to Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church in Manitowoc, WI where her faith remained her foundation and source of peace.

She is survived by her husband, Scott Hammel; her daughters, Kendra and Carissa Hammel; her parents, Paul and Julie Schroeder; her siblings, Eric (Becky) Schroeder, James (Jessica) Schroeder, and Rhonda (Todd) Garrison; her mother-in-law, Rosaline Hammel; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Steve (Pam), Shaun (Kristy), Stacy (Emily), and Stuart (Jean) Hammel; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Keith Hammel.

A celebration of Rikki's life will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, 3209 Meadow Lane, Manitowoc. The Rev's Stephen Melso and Caleb Davisson will officiate. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Cremation will follow the service.

Memorial donations in Rikki's name are appreciated for Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, Manitowoc Lutheran High School, or The Crossing.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.