Funeral services for William (Bill) Jon Hammer, age 61, of Albert Lea will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at First Lutheran Church, Albert Lea. The Rev. John Holt will officiate. Interment will be prior to the church service at 10 a.m. Tuesday, at Graceland Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Freeborn County Veterans organizations. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home.

Bill died Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, at his home.

William (Bill) Jon Hammer was born on May 15, 1946, to Glen and Doris (Conrad) Hammer in Albert Lea. Bill attended school in Albert Lea graduating in 1964. He attended Mankato State College graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Upon graduating from Mankato State, Bill took an internship with Ernst & Ernst in Denver. On Oct. 4, 1969, Bill married Janice Hove and they lived in Minneapolis where Bill worked for Touch-Ross.

Bill also entered the service in 1969 and served in the Minnesota Army National Guard, Co. A, 1Bn., 135th Inf. Bill and Janice moved back to Albert Lea in 1971 where Bill entered into partnership with LaVern Strand, Strand and Hammer. After 35 years of dedication to his clients and co-workers he retired in 2007 from Hammer, Dieser, and Mangskau PLLP.

Bill was an involved citizen of Albert Lea, contributing time to youth sports, community organizations, Albert Lea Rifle and Pistol Club, as a coach, treasurer, and council member. His life-long love of baseball will be fondly remembered every time a ball game is watched. His companionship in the outdoors, while hunting and fishing, will be remembered by many with each early morning sunrise and the fall turn of colors. And his focus on unconditional love and support of family will continue.

Survivors include wife, Janice, son, Wade and Kerri Hammer of St. Louis Park; daughter April and Jeremy Hendrickson of Albert Lea; son, Luke and Kirsten Hammer of Iowa City; four grandchildren, Genevieve, Fynn, Talya, and Clara; brother, Brad Hammer of Albert Lea; sister, Glenyse, and brother-in-law, Bob Styve of Marcell; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Shirley and Don Hess of Eagan; many wonderful nieces and nephews and devoted friends.

He was a friend and loving husband for 45 years and loving father to all of his family. He treasured life and shared many experiences with his family. He will be remembered for his sincere personality and genuine interest in others, his professional integrity, dedication to and love of friends, and love for his family. We have many wonderful memories and it goes without saying how much he will be missed. He is now with his Heavenly Father.