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Barry Hammerberg Obituary
Barry Hammerberg, 68, passed away Friday, Feb. 3, 2012. Barry was born Feb. 28, 1943, in Madison, son of Karl and Marion (Scott) Hammerberg. He graduated from New London High School (1961) and the University of Wisconsin-Stout (1965), earning a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He later obtained a Master of Business Administration in Finance degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Barry started his career at the age of 14 when he repaired canoes and later led Wolf River canoe trips. That business became Glass-Fab, New London, where, as President, he managed production of various fiberglass products. He was hired for his unique skills by Menasha Corporation, Kimfibers of Kimberly-Clark, and eventually became part-owner and President of Appleton Manufacturing, Neenah, until his retirement in 2001.
Barry was a mentor to many and a lifelong sailor. He also enjoyed writing for sailing magazines, snowboarding, renovating older homes, and building whatever needed to be built. You name it, he could build it: a sailboat, house, high school float, swamp air-boat, even a robot. Barry married Ruth Utschig on Feb. 13, 1993. For six years, they cruised up and down the East Coast on their sailboat "Another Adventure." Boy, what a wonderful adventure it was: unforgettable people, places, as well as the wonders and wrath of Mother Nature. It doesn't get better than that.
Barry is survived by his wife, Ruth; children, Amy (Thomas) Putzer and their son, Lofton; Angela Utschig (friend, Jason) and her children, Bobby and Demi; Nikki (Tim Malouf) Hammerberg and their son, Walker; Kyle Hammerberg; mother of Nikki and Kyle, Barbara Walker Hammerberg; sisters and brother, Linda Hammerberg (Leo Bohman), Kerry (Ross) Christopherson, and Karl Hammerberg; and, of course, his sidekick, Buddy, the parrot.
Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Karl "Doc" Hammerberg; and a brother, Glenn.
Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, 2012, at the Kessler Funeral Home, 304 S. Commercial Street, Neenah. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 3 p.m. Friday until the time of the service.
We will all miss you, Captain Barry. Smooth seas to you!
Kessler Funeral Home
& Cremation Services
Neenah 722-6464
www.kesslerfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barry Hammerberg
February 24, 2012
I only learned today of Barry's passing and I was stunned. To the man who gave me my first job sanding fiberglass canoes and spreading resin for canoe repairs, a heartfelt thank you. I know I only got the job job because I lived 75 feet from your shop on the Wolf River - and I did work for free. I was 10 and you were one of my heros. My sincere condolences to your family and friends. God Bless you and yours. Rest in Peace.
Mike Elliott, Seattle WA
February 11, 2012
Thank you for the memories at Menasha Marina and the friendship you gave and for stopping to visit when you had a chance. Diane
February 11, 2012
To the Hammerberg Family. My deepest sympathy on the loss of a loving husband and father. I went to high school with Barry and he was a great individual then and became even greater during his life. May fond memories provide you comfort.
Faye Roland Price
Ken Kurlychek
February 8, 2012
Although we didn't know Barry for very long, we thoroughly enjoyed our times with him and Ruth in the Bahamas and Florida. Our condolences to family and friends ~ The crew of the Mary T
Amy Flannery
February 8, 2012
Thanks, Barry, for the laughs and companionship. We'll miss you. Sail on!
Terry Dorsey
February 6, 2012
February 06, 2012
The world will miss the creativity and inventiveness of Barry. I'll miss sharing the skiing, boating and laughter of a long-time classmate. Float on peace; there are no more stormy seas.
Chuck Morrell
February 6, 2012
Barry was a great teacher and always ready to help . He inspired us to go crusing. Will miss him very much.
Suzann Reetz Campbell
February 6, 2012
Such a smart and unique person is gone, leaving a hole in the fabric of the universe. My condolences to the family.
Claudia Hankin Balluff
February 5, 2012
Nikki and Kyle,
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Thinking of you. My condolences to all of his family and friends.
- Claudia
February 5, 2012
To one of most interesting and talented people that I have ever known. It's always been enjoyable chatting with you and Ruth during our infrequent meetings. Bon voyage, my friend, Jim Winckler Appleton
Miles & Laureen Cherkasky
February 5, 2012
There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, may they always be! We'll miss our friend.
February 5, 2012
Ruth & family,
Our condolences.to you and the family. We have wonderful memories of Barry.
Ina Mae & Gaylord Remmel
Dan Thome
February 5, 2012
I always enjoyed the time I spent with Barry. Condolences to his family.
February 4, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lynn (Krueger) Bowles
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