Robert Oliver Hamer

Robert "Bob" Oliver Hamer of Marinette, WI, passed away on June 18th at 92 years old surrounded by four generations of loving family members. Bob was born in 1930 to loving parents, Earl and Reba. He had two siblings, an older brother Jack and a younger sister Helen. Bob had an adventurous spirit, creating rich memories with his life-long pals. He was a star athlete, especially in basketball, football and track & field. After high school, Bob joined his dad as a bricklayer where he developed a life-long passion for building and creating. He was a proud member of the International Union of Bricklayers and the Masonic Lodge.
Bob joined the Army during the Korean War, and the typing skills he acquired in high school allowed him to become a clerk in the Medical Corp. He was stationed in Perigueux, France, alongside his childhood friend, Freddy Luke. While in France, Bob played basketball for the Army's team, and was eventually chosen to play on the French national team. He traveled with the French team all over Europe playing basketball, including a memorable dirt floor gym in Belgium.
Prior to joining the Army, when Bob was a senior in high school, he went on a blind date with a beautiful freshman girl named Jaqueline "Jackie" Hansgen. Jackie was a bit intimidated by this handsome 6'3" senior. After their first date life took them in different directions, but they would be reunited years later. Little did they know that this awkward first encounter would lead to a marriage of 65 beautiful years. When Bob returned from his time in the Army, he furthered his education at the University of Illinois. It was there that he would once again run into Jackie who was working for the State of Illinois on the campus in Champagne. Bob graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Administration, and upon graduation began his life's career with the Social Security Administration. Bob married Jackie on December 27, 1957. His career took him from Chicago to Eau Claire and finally to Marinette, where he would spend the remainder of his life.
Bob and Jackie grew their family, welcoming three children: two sons, Mark and Brad, and a daughter, Jill. Bob was a truly dedicated and wonderful father. His life revolved around his children, and he made sure to never miss a single sporting event or activity. He was certainly his children's biggest fan. Creating special family memories was important to Bob, and each summer he organized family trips, such as looking for shark's teeth in Florida, or sailing and biking on the family's many camping trips. Bob was also known for his skills as a handyman and was often called upon by friends and family to fix problems or to help build something. He was an avid golfer; something he eventually shared with both his kids and grandkids. Bob would take Jackie to golf at Little River as often as he could, and he was very proud of his hole in one. Bob was also infamous for his sweet tooth. He could often be spotted riding his bike home from Kmart with cookies and other treats in tow.
Bob made a point to teach his children about the importance of saving and planning, and he did everything he could to ensure they had a good future. The admirable example Bob set led to his children fostering families of their own, and he eagerly took on the role of loving grandpa. In the eyes of his six granddaughters and one grandson, Bob was the ultimate hero. He was a mentor and a role model, and he showed his grandchildren endless amounts of love. He filled their lives with patience, kindness, love, and support. He was a humble man and taught his grandchildren the importance of humility. He built memories and bonds with his grandchildren that will last a thousand lifetimes. His grandchildren fondly remember the epic bike rides he took them on, as well as mornings filled with coffee, stories with the best life advice, afternoons swimming at the Civic Center, playing Pooh sticks in the stream near the university, and showing up to every sporting event with a jug of ice water and a bag of candy in his pocket. Bob was also known for being a great hugger, a 5 star back tickler and, and the person his grandchildren could come to when they needed a loving and non judgemental person to be there for them. And he always reminded them to "stop and smell the roses".
Bob became "Old Papa" to four great grandchildren, who loved sitting on his lap and listening to him sing them lullabies. Bob is remembered, perhaps most of all, for his huge heart, his utter selflessness, and his complete dedication to his family. This dedication to family extended to his five nephews with whom he shared a loving and special bond. Compassionate and generous, he cared about everyone and was accepting of all people and respected the things that made people different. Bob had an impact on so many lives.
Bob's legacy is the love he gave and received. To those dearest to him, he is remembered as the greatest man to ever live and they honor him by trying to be kind, patient, and gentle human beings.
Bob is survived by his wife, Jackie; his children, Mark(Laurie), Brad(Allison), and Jill(Brad); his grandchildren, Samantha(Rashad), Taylor(Joey), Hannah(Ayub), Makenzie(Max), Cassie(Michael), Jake(Shae), and Hailee(Joey); great grandchildren, Jack, Charlie, Violet, and Shiloh.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Northland Lutheran Home, Almost Family, and Unity Hospice for the kind and compassionate care.
Private services will be held at Hansen Onion-Martell Funeral Home.