John Roche Hammen

John Roche Hammen, age 67, of Cedarburg, WI, died on September 26, 2015. John was born in Milwaukee, WI on July 7, 1948 to the late Robert F. and Kathleen M. (Roche) Hammen. He married Nancy A. (Jerovitz) Hammen on May 3, 1975 in Green Bay, WI. Devoted husband of 40 years to Nancy. Proud father of Justin (Lynn), Courtney (Adam) Moritsch, Ashley (Derek) Gonwa. Loving Bubba John to his 5 grandchildren; Noah, Avery, and Joey Hammen, Jillian Moritsch, and Miles Gonwa. Dear brother to Peg (John) Jessel and Robert (Sara) Hammen, and brother-in-law to Dave (Sue) Jerovitz. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Proceeded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Orville Jerovitz; and mother-in-law, Ethel Jerovitz. After graduating from Shorewood High School in 1966, John attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Masters degree in Political Science/Public Administration. John had a lifelong passion for helping others and started his 38-year career with the State of Wisconsin at the Job Service division in 1975, where he worked for 15 years before joining the Department of Natural Resources for the remainder of his career. He was an active resident of the City of Cedarburg, proudly serving in various roles including Acting Mayor, Alderman, Common Council President, and Police and Fire Commission member. John was very proud of his accomplishments within those roles. He loved the community of Cedarburg and was proud to be able to serve as an active member. John’s smile, sense of humor and Irish charm were present everywhere he went. He remembered the name of everyone he met and loved regaling others in stories (he was not a man of few words). John always managed to find the humor in situations and enjoyed making others laugh with his quick wit and dramatic antics. He always stayed topical on current events, sports, and politics. He loved Irish music and took great pride in his Roche family Irish heritage. John was the true definition of a family man. He had a heart of gold, put his family first and was happy to lend a helping hand whenever he saw the opportunity. He loved watching his kids and other family members participate in sporting events. He was his children’s number one fan and never missed a game they participated in. John’s favorite moments were those spent with his family and friends. He cherished his time spent in Door County fishing and watching his grandkids play. His grandkids affectionately called him Bubba John and spent countless hours joyfully playing, reading, and spending time together. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday October 1, 10 AM at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church South W44 N6055 Hamilton Rd. Cedarburg. Meet at church. Visitation will be held at the Mueller Funeral Home & Crematory W63 N527 Hanover Ave Cedarburg, on Wednesday September 30, from 4 – 7 PM. Interment will be at Immanuel Cemetery Cedarburg. Memorials to Blue Lotus Farm and Retreat Center, The Ridges Sancturary, or Door County Land Trust are appreciated. The family would like to thank the entire team at the Aurora Cancer Clinic in Grafton for their compassionate care and support throughout John’s illness.