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Harold M. Hamm

1937 - 2019

Harold M. Hamm obituary, 1937-2019, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

BORN

1937

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Ritchay Funeral Home - Wisconsin Rapids

1950 12th St South

Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

Harold Hamm Obituary

Harold M. Hamm

Wisconsin Rapids - Harold M. Hamm, age 82, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI died Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at Aspirus Riverview Hospital, Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Fr. Jim Altman will officiate. Visitation will be held at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI from 4:00-8:00 PM Tuesday and Wednesday at the Church from 9:30-10:30 AM. The family will share stories about their Dad on Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Harold was born April 8, 1937 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI to Milton and Alice (Rezin) Hamm. Harry married the love of his life, Arlene Klappa, on May 26th, 1962. The popular Everly Brothers song "Let It Be Me" would be the theme of their union and the words "I bless the day I found you" epitomized their devotion to each other for 57 years. His early work life included time at Preway in Wisconsin Rapids prior to the decision to further his education. After graduating from UW-Stevens Point with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics in 1970, he held several managerial positions at firms in Wisconsin and Minnesota. He would return to his hometown at the end of the decade with a burning passion for archery and a desire to be self-employed. Now a father of three and with some hard times behind him, he founded HHA Sports in 1984. During the early years of this new adventure, he supplemented the family income by teaching management courses at Mid-State Technical College. It was there that he would be introduced to several lifelong friends and perfect his craft as a leader. By the time the mid-90's arrived, he had numerous patented inventions to his credit and was beginning to gain a following in a highly competitive market. Over the next 20 years, along with the unwavering support of his family and a loyal group of employees, he would build one of the most successful and respected brands in all of archery. Never one to take credit for his own successes, he was quick to thank those around him for his good fortune. An avid outdoorsman, Harry enjoyed fishing and hunting and introduced his entire family to the sports he loved so much. He was also named the first Honorary Member of Antler Archers, the place where he honed his archery skills and tested new ideas on many of the members who are still friends to this day.

After decades of struggle, overcoming numerous health issues and ignoring those who gave him little chance to succeed, he had finally reached the top of the mountain. His golden years were spent out on his pond catching fish and turtles with his grandsons, and trips to the Dairy Queen with Arlene in the '57 Chevy convertible. Putting his creative mind, sense of humor and gift of storytelling to use, he would write two books and a country album that were enjoyed by many. Harry loved music and entertaining in his car garage and hosted his 60th class reunion in 2015 with the help of his classmates. He had a great appreciation for boxing as a young man and could still tell stories of all the legends of the day, recalling dates of the fights and how many times his favorite, Sugar Ray Robinson, won and lost the title. Also a huge fan of Wisconsin sports, he was always in tune with the latest news from the Badgers, Brewers, Bucks and Packers.

He will forever be remembered as a man who conquered a lifetime of obstacles, never allowing them to hold him back or feeling sorry for himself. Truly one of a kind, he wore an infectious smile and had a heart for helping others. He was always willing to share his knowledge and experiences and impacted

people of all generations. His humility, generosity and hospitality were felt by everyone who ever walked through his door and he will be dearly missed by all who came to know him.

Harold is survived by his wife, Arlene; three children, Brian (Suzi) Hamm, Roberta Hamm and Chris (Holly) Hamm, all of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; two grandchildren, Ryan Shull and Jason Shull; one great granddaughter, Willow Shull; two brothers, Ronald (Carol) Hamm and Peter (Jane) Hamm, both of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; two sisters-in-law, Marietta Hamm and Elisabeth Klappa, both of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; brother-in-law Gale (Judi) Klappa of Milwaukee, WI. Harold is also survived by ex-son-in-law, Greg Shull and multiple nieces and nephews.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dale Hamm.

"The family would like to thank Brenda Plum and Brittany Korslin for their amazing care. You were a blessing to our entire family. Thank you as well to Wheels of Independence and all the wonderful drivers who transported Harry for the past 10 years. We want to acknowledge the Grand Rapids Police Department, Saratoga First Responders, Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department, Wood County Sheriff's Department, Eben Peck and Scott Bakken. We also wish to thank Dr. Dirk de Hass and the Emergency Medical Staff at Riverview Hospital for all of your life saving efforts."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune from Jul. 5 to Jul. 8, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Harold Hamm

Sponsored by Ritchay Funeral Home - Wisconsin Rapids.

Not sure what to say?





Samantha Sievers and Family

July 10, 2019

Brian, Suzi, and Chris,
We are all so saddened to hear of your loss. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.

Mary Marzofka

July 8, 2019

Brian and Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting your parents back in the day and they were so very nice. You have a great family and may your love for each other hold you up during this time. I actually just came across a turkey hunting gadget that my Dad bought from your Dad. It was a decoy that moved back and forth on a track. Now they're both in Heaven talkin' turkey! What a legacy your Dad has left.
Take Good Care.
Mary (Craft) Marzofka

Sheila Wilkinson

July 8, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss and know that words can never make things better. The loss we feel when a loved one passes leaves a void in our lives but the memories and love will remain forever. We remember all those things mentioned in this wonderfully written obituary. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you, Sheila (Hilgers) Wilkinson

July 8, 2019

Sorry to hear of loss. We will keep you Brian and Suzi in our thoughts.
Paul and Sandi

Don Kreutzer

July 7, 2019

Remembering a dear friend and all our poker games. You will be missed.

July 7, 2019

Thank you Harry for hosting our last class reunion. The lass of 1955 will always remember you. You were always one of our "best in class".

Mr & Mrs Frank Monberger

July 6, 2019

Sorry for his passing. Harry will be remembered as a great man in the archery industry. It was an honor representing his great product lines for many years. Thanks for your honesty, friendship, and loyalty for many years.

Marlene Kubisiak /stigney

July 6, 2019

Thinking of you all what s beautiful life he had god love you all

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Memorial Events
for Harold Hamm

Jul

9

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Ritchay Funeral Home - Wisconsin Rapids

1950 12th St South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-0847

Jul

9

Service

7:00 p.m.

WI

Jul

10

Visitation

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Jul

10

Funeral Mass

10:30 a.m.

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Funeral services provided by:

Ritchay Funeral Home - Wisconsin Rapids

1950 12th St South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-0847

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