Richard G. Van Hammond

Dick Van Hammond, age 81 of Appleton, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, September 21, 2020.  Dick was born in Kaukauna on October 23, 1938, son of the late Martin and Alice (Welch) Van Hammond and attended the Kaukauna High School.

Dick will be remembered by all as a generous man who always had time for friends and neighbors – he enjoyed helping with their small engine repairs, lawn care, and snow removal.  If you could not find Dick, you only needed to look in his garage to find him.  He was always tinkering with lawn or snow equipment of some sort.  He had a good sense of humor, a love for animals, and a sweet tooth.  He was also known by his motto: “Get ‘er done!”   He will be missed by all  who knew and loved him.

Dick is survived by two sons: Martin (Ann) Van Hammond and David (Cristy) Van Hammond; six grandchildren: Rachel (Zach) Clausing, Grace Van Hammond, Matthew Van Hammond, Tyler (Mandy) Van Hammond, Christian (MaKayla) Van Hammond, and Brayden Van Hammond.  There are also several great-grandchildren as well as his siblings: Shirley Still, Jerry (Lynn) Van Hammond, Jim (Jane) Van Hammond, Joe Van Hammond, Arnie Van Hammond, Bunny (Lee) Ellenbecker, and Luann Fenske.   Dick was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Danny, a brother-in-law Bob Still, and sisters-in-law Mary Ann Van Hammond and Peggy Van Hammond.

Dick is also survived by his loving partner of forty seven years: Mardie Paalman, and her family: Connie (Mike) Davids, Mark (Lori) Kersten, Kellie (Hal) Thon, and Michael (Laura) Paalman; a son-in-law Tom Vander Wielen; many grand and great-grandchildren; and her siblings: Cookie Regal, Nancy (Harley – who was Dick’s partner in crime) Lyons, and Ken Johnson.  Christine Vander Wielen and Scott Paalman have both already passed.

At Dick’s request, no service will be held.  He will be cremated and buried along with his family at St. Mary Cemetery in Kaukauna.