Edward J. Hammen

Edward J. Hammen, age 78, of Little Chute, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 25, 2020 at his home. He was born on June 20, 1942, son of the late Ambrose and Lucille (Rademacher) Hammen. Ed married Imelda Peña on June 10, 1967, and she preceded him in death on June 9, 2002. He then married Ellen (Bouressa) Vanden Heuvel on September 24, 2005.

Ed graduated from St. John High School with the class of 1960. He then went on to attend St. Norbert College, U.W. Oshkosh, and finished with a Ph. D. in Health Services Administration from Kennedy Western University. He began his career as a teacher, counselor, and coach at several schools in Texas and Wisconsin including Xavier High School, St. Thomas More, and St. John High School, and he was principal at St. John Grade School from 1973-1977. He then began working at Community Alcoholism Services Inc. as a prevention specialist. Ed retired as the Executive Director of ThedaCare Behavioral Health.

Ed spent countless hours volunteering his time to many great organizations. Ed served on the board of directors for LEAVEN and Rural Health Initiative. He volunteered with the ThedaCare Community Action Team and the Community Health Foundation. He was also vice chair for the Wisconsin Association of AODA. Ed was very involved in his faith community. He lectured at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, served as first chair of the St. John Social Concerns Committee, and was a member of the Stewardship and Pastoral services for the Green Bay Diocese. Ed also enjoyed coaching Little Chute Jets football. Ed was recognized with several awards for his service that include the Distinguished Achievement for St. Norbert College Alumni, the Outstanding Program Award from the Wisconsin Association of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, the Friend of the Appleton Education Association Award, the Bud Kohn 110% Award, and he was inducted into the St. John Athletic Association Hall of Fame.

Throughout his lifetime, Ed was an excellent athlete, creative thinker, and loving family man. He excelled in all sports and later acted as a coach and proud supporter of his children and grandchildren in their own activities. Later in life, Ed showed his creativity by publishing his own poetry book and playing music on his ukulele. Above all else, Ed enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Many of his favorite memories were made at the cottage on Legend Lake and during his travels in his retirement.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Ellen; children: Gracie (Joel) Mueller, Edward Jr. (Jenifer) Hammen, and Frank (Candace) Hammen; step-children: Daniel (Gail) Vanden Heuvel, David (Lynn) Vanden Heuvel, and Erin (Greg) Vandenberg; grandchildren: Alex, Ellie, and Noah Mueller, Teagan, Tatum, and Trayden Hammen, Peyton, Rylee, and Madison Hammen, Nick (Maggie) and Noel Vanden Heuvel, Claire, Mitchell, Will, and Charlie Vanden Heuvel, Allison, Libby, and Logan Vandenberg; siblings: Linda (Lyle) Hansen, Bruce (fiance, Betty) Hammen, Lois (Tom) Ciske, Mark Hammen, and Nick (Deb) Hammen; in-laws: Janet Janssen, Phil (Birdie) Bouressa, Jayne (David) Smits and Mona Bouressa; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Ambrose and Lucille Hammen; wife, Imelda Hammen; in-laws: Vicki Hammen, Dr. Jim Bouressa, Carol (Ken) Janssen, and Les Janssen.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a private family service will take place. Those wishing to view the service online may do so on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. on the St. John Website: www.stjn.org. Interment will be in St. John Cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com. 

The Hammen family would like to extend a special thank you to the ThedaCare Hospice program, U.W. Health Systems and ThedaCare Cancer Center for all of the loving and compassionate care that was given to Ed during his long battle with cancer.

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