Wayne Curtis Hammer, the son of Ernest and Anna (Eklof) Hammer was born June 26, 1924 in Page County, near Essex, Iowa. He passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at the Red Oak Healthcare Community, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 90 years, 2 months and 11 days. During Wayne's youth he and his family lived in the communities of Essex, Nyman and Wales, Iowa before moving to Red Oak. Wayne entered the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17 and served during WW II with the 4th Marine Division. Wayne was present on the foothill of Mt. Suribachi when he witnessed the American flag raised on Iwo Jima. On March 5, 1947, Wayne was united in marriage to Mary Ann Penry at Troy, Kansas. During the Korean War, he was called back to the Marine Corps for one year, and stationed in California. Following Wayne's military service, he and Mary made their home in Red Oak. Wayne worked for Wilson Concrete and drove a truck for Dave England before starting his 31 year career with the United States Postal Service, from which he retired. Wayne enjoyed raising a vegetable garden, yard work and bowling. He and Mary loved traveling around the United States on guided bus trips, along with visiting casinos. Wayne supported his sons and grandchildren in all their activities and sporting events. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Red Oak, a founding member of the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Court of Honor, and served 10 years with the Red Oak Volunteer Fire Department. Wayne was also a past member of the American Legion and V.F.W., both of Red Oak. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Hammer on August 10, 2010; sisters, Charlene Brown and Betty Bolton. Wayne is survived by two sons: Dennis Hammer and wife Denise of Tabor, IA and David Hammer of Red Oak, IA; two grandchildren: Melinda McCormick and husband Mike of Lincoln, NE and Matthew Hammer of Gretna, NE; three great-grandchildren: Drake and Kalyssa McCormick and Shelby Hammer; sisters-in-law: Nancy and Shirley Penry of Red Oak, IA and Laura Anderson of Red Oak, IA; brothers-in-law: James and Guy Penry of Red Oak, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn. Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home, Red Oak Military Rites and Burial at Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak Rev. JoAnn Thomas, Officiating Open viewing at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home on Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Memorials may be directed to the First Christian Church of Red Oak or Red Oak Healthcare Community. Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
