Gary J. Hammen, Appleton, age 75, died at his home on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. He was born in Little Chute on May 14, 1945 to the late Joseph and Margaret (Wulgaart) Hammen. As a child he was the comedian of the family always making family dinners a bit more lively. He attended Kaukauna High School and then served in the National Guard from 1963-1969. Gary was a real do-it your-selfer and there is no project he wouldn't tackle for his friends and family. He worked as a flooring installer until his retirement. Throughout his life Gary enjoyed the outdoors; spending time on Lake Poygan, fishing any time he could, camping at Chute Pond, cherishing time spent with his grandchildren and at the farm. He brought laughter, joy and fun to all those around him.

Gary is survived by his children: Dawn Rivers, Cape Coral, FL; Sarah Peterson, Kaukauna; Katie Bartell, Wrightstown; Teresa M. (Deric) Rachfal, Appleton; Jason M. (Tanya) Rachfal, Black Creek; and Jonathan D. (Dawn) Lane, Weyauwega; grandchildren: Abbigail, Zachary, Nicholas, Joshua, Melissa, Isaac, Cassandra, Carter, Mercedes, Diego, Scentica, Cassandra, Dominick, Selena, and Colin; great grandson, Emmett; and siblings: Joe (Terri) Hammen, Kenneth (Sharon) Hammen, and Linda (Mark) Kobin. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his longtime partner, Diane Rachfal in 2014.

A gathering for family and friends will be held on June 11, 2020 at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main St. Little Chute) from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.