Wayne W. Hammond, age 92, previously of Wausau, WI, Windsor, WI, and Waupaca, WI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna. He was born on September 13, 1933 in Brokaw, WI to the late Leslie and Anita (Merklein) Hammond.

On October 4, 1958, Wayne married the love of his life, Mary Peterson in Wausau, WI. He was employed at the Brokaw Paper Mill before joining the U.S. Army and serving during the Korean War. After his service, he attended UWSP and began his career in underwriting at American Family Insurance until his retirement. Wayne loved being outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. So many memories were made at the cottage Up North. He loved taking drives through the country and although there was always a map in the car, he never needed it because he had a built-in GPS.  No matter where he was headed he always knew the way, often saying it was a "short-cut.” He took great pride in his lawn as well as his raspberry patch and enjoyed picking whatever type of fruit was in season. Wayne was actively involved in his community in many ways, including serving multiple elected terms on the Windsor Sanitary Commission.  He was a legendary unlimited arch pitcher for various teams in slow pitch leagues in the Madison area, even being named to the DeForest-Windsor Slow Pitch Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 50 years, and proud to be a fourth degree member.  One of his claims to fame was being the top nut salesman for the DeForest Knights of Columbus council for many years.

Wayne is survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Mary Hammond; children: Jeff (Mary Szeklinski) Hammond, Wausau, Jay (Lynn Branshaw) Hammond, Poynette, and Beth (Jeff) Knick, Kaukauna; grandchildren: Emma (Zach) Olk, Janelle (Derek Huber) Knick, and Matthew Knick; brother, Larry (Gloria) Hammond; brothers and sisters-in-law: Bob (Sandy) Peterson, Kelly Knutson, and Jim Peterson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sandy Knutson; and brother-in-law, John Peterson.

A Memorial Service for Wayne will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Paul Elder Services, 316 E. 14th St., Kaukauna. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will continue until the time of the service. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.