Martin L. Hammen

Martin “Marty” Hammen, a lifetime resident of Ripon, WI, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the age of 100.

Marty was born on Halloween day, 1926, to Louis and Alvina (Hannemann) and grew up, along with his brother Orice, on the northern edge of Ripon, which is now present day Ripon. As a youngster, one of his many tasks each day was to milk the cows, among them his dad’s favorite cow, WaWa (namesake of WaWa Avenue where the family barn once stood).

At age 17, Marty enlisted in the U.S. Navy, like so many of his friends and classmates. He attended basic training at Great Lakes, IL, and Treasure Island, CA. Marty served his country in World War II from 1944 - 1946 in the South Pacific aboard navy “tin can” destroyers being deployed in both Shanghai, China and Tokyo, Japan.

After the war he partnered with his brother Orice and bought a “muck” farm in Pickett and a Christmas tree farm in Montello. They continued to grow corn, peas, and wheat in the area but also started growing cabbage and onions, followed by mint and cucumbers, eventually turning the entire muck farm into a sod farm. In the 1970’s, he partnered with his oldest son, Gary, and purchased Black Creek Sod Farm north of Appleton. He also owned Huckleberry Tree Farm and grew blueberries in Princeton.

In 1950, he married Lorraine (Mlodzik) of Princeton, and together raised their five children on Eureka St. until moving to Olden Road.

Marty, known for his quick wit, joke telling, and storytelling, enjoyed hunting of all types and fishing, his poker games, and a bit of golfing. He loved to travel, taking his family on trips and occasional trips to Vegas with his wife, Lorraine. In his later years, he immensely enjoyed cruising with his special friend, Sharon.

He is survived by his sons, Gary (Mary) and their children, Hilary Bastone (friend, Carl), Kyle Hammen, and Avry Hammen and her daughter, Nia; Randy Hammen; Peter Hammen and his daughters, Kelsey (Kale) Rortvedt, Katie Hammen (fiancé Chad MacFarlane), and Macy (Nathan) Schneider along with their son, Axle; and Paul Hammen. He is further survived by his very special and dear friend, Sharon Lentz and her sons, Joe and Scott.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Lorraine; his parents; his daughter, Janet; brother, Orice (Mary); and his very special Aunt, Viola (Albert) Laper.

The Hammen family would like to thank SSM Health at Home Hospice care for their wonderful care and professional attention provided to Marty during his final days.

Visitation for Marty will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 9:00 until 11:00 am at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54971.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home in Ripon, with Rev. Dr. Kevin P. Mundell officiating. You may view a livestream of Marty’s funeral at 11:00 am by visiting this link LIVESTREAM. A final salute and full military honors will take place at the funeral home immediately following the service. Interment will then take place at Hillside Cemetery in Ripon.

Please visit www.ButzinMarchant.com to send online condolences.