Mick Gary Hammer

Michael “Mick” Gary Hammer age 76, of Holstein, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at the Cherokee Regional Medical Center.  A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the Holstein United Methodist Church of Holstein with the Pastor Betty Kiboko officiating.  A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2025 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Holstein United Methodist Church. Burial will be at the Holstein Cemetery of Holstein. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials be directed to: the Holstein United Methodist Church, Holstein Kiwanis or the Lohff Schumann Community Center.

Mick (“Mickey” as his father called him even before birth) was born on November 8, 1948 in Cherokee, Iowa to Ed and Rachel Hammer. He was raised on a farm near Battle Creek and enjoyed many shenanigans growing up with his brother, Mark, and sister, Marvel, from having egg fights to bringing home baby skunks for the 4th of July parade. They went on several family vacations with the Schumachers to Colorado and Winnipeg, Canada. One fond memory involves Mick’s attempt at translating French commercials in the hotel room after he supposedly learned French in school. He also enjoyed skiing trips with his friends, which may have involved coming back with cases of Coors.

Mick graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1966 as the Valedictorian of his class. He then attended Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Nebraska where he played football for four years. After graduating, Mick began his career as a junior high math teacher and football coach. He was united in marriage to Leanne Kay Johnson on May 31, 1980. They were blessed with two daughters, Christy and Angie. Mick was very involved with the girls in their activities, from breaking 4-H cattle to playing catch in the backyard. He had so much fun on family trips; some favorites included riding roller coasters at Disney World and hiking in Colorado. Mick later worked for Federal Crop Insurance in quality control before moving to the United States Postal Service in Ida Grove. He retired at age 60. During retirement Mick enjoyed returning to crop insurance with Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company and helping local farmers with harvest.

Throughout his 76 years, Mick was known for his jolly demeanor. He never met a stranger and was often the life of the party, greeting all those he knew with his signature fist bump. He loved to scoop snow off all of the neighborhood driveways with his skid loader, especially when it meant receiving a Diet Mt. Dew or “prime rib, medium rare” in return. He thrived in riding his motorcycle, rollerblading around town, riding his bike and playing tennis and pickle ball. He was a big fan of sports, with a special love for football. He loved a good Hawkeye tailgate and was a big fan of Peyton Manning. Mick’s favorite day of the year was April Fool’s Day, when he relished in pulling pranks on anyone and everyone. On the best occasions, family was able to pull one over on him in return including setting the clocks ahead, disconnecting his cell phone service for the day, and managing a surprise 70th birthday party. He never missed a game, a nap, a workout, or a meal (unless it included potato salad, which was about the only food he refused to eat). He was happy to raise a glass with a tomato beer (but only if it was real tomato juice) or a shot of peppermint schnapps. His eyes lit up anytime he was asked to play a card game, most recently UNO No Mercy with the family. His infectious enthusiasm for life and his sense of humor brightened the lives of those around him.

Mick was a jack-of-all-trades. He was commonly found creating woodworking projects and DIY projects around the house (much to the dismay of Leanne at times as Mick knew there was nothing a roll of duct tape couldn’t fix). He spent time teaching some of these skills to his grandsons with 4-H projects. He kept the bird and squirrel feeders full and always enjoyed animals, especially eagles.

Mick was deeply involved in his community and church. He was a dedicated member of the United Methodist Church in Holstein, where he participated in various activities and served in many capacities. A favorite time was carving turkeys at the annual turkey dinner and in more recent years, aiming to be the top seller of dinner tickets. Mick was also an active member of Kiwanis, where he helped organize and support local service projects including the annual bike rodeo for local second graders, ditch clean-up, making/selling sub sandwiches and collecting pop cans. Additionally, Mick was part of a Friday morning Bible study group, where he built strong friendships and shared his faith with others. He looked forward to Senior Cards at the Rec Center every week.

He is survived by his wife Leanne, his children Christy Hammer and Angie (Cody) Rasmus; his brother Mark (Londa) Hammer; his sister Marvel (Scott Hompland) Hammer; his grandchildren Lincoln (12), Paxton (10), Kenlin (7) and Annison (3) Rasmus; his father-in-law Ramon (Ginny) Johnson, sister-in-law Joni, brother-in-law Randy, step sister-in-law Amy (Susan Smith) Adams, nieces Molly (Alan) McCormack, Marissa Miller, and Tory Adams; and nephews Logan Hammer and Tanner Adams in addition to many cousins and friends.

Mick was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents Edwin and Rachel Spotts Hammer, his mother-in-law Helen Cranston Johnson and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.