John "Jack" R. Hammond

John (Jack) R. Hammond, age 95, joined our Lord and Savior and passed family and friends on March 4, 2026. Jack was born on December 2, 1930. He was the last of 8 children born to Lawrence and Nellie (Eng) Hammond. He grew up on the family farm in Galesville WI. and graduated from Galesville High School with the great class of 1949. He was drafted into the US Army in 1951. He served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged June of 1953.

Jack’s first job after high school was at the Galesville Creamery and he returned to that job after his service. He worked for the State of Wisconsin (1957 -1992) as a Driver’s License Examiner, a Training Officer for State Patrol Cadets, and lastly as a Civilian Employee for the National Guard. Jack was also a skilled carpenter, plumber and electrician. Or as they say a “Jack of all Trades!” He volunteered his skills for his church, family, and friends many, many times.

Jack’s first love was consecrated in marriage to Betty Jane Powers in 1958. They raised two sons, Terry and Michael. Their wonderful marriage ended with Betty’s passing on February 9, 1990. Later he married Ona Happel. With this marriage he gained another caring family as Ona had five children who Jack grew to love as his own. Ona and Jack had many wonderful days both at home and traveling in retirement.

Jack was a member of the American Legion Post 336 in Onalaska. He truly enjoyed working at the fund-raising events for the Post. He was a 20-year member of the Selective Service (Draft Board) for a five-county area. After retirement he taught driver safety courses for the elderly. Jack was especially proud of his service at the Harry J. Olson Senior Center. He served as president of the Board there for 10 years.

Jack lived the longest and was the last living relative of his generation. He was preceded in death by his two wives, his siblings: Delores (Edwin Daffinson) of Ettrick, Ila Mae (Emerald Daffinson) of Galesville, Elaine (Wendell Stephan) of Trempealeau, George “Bud” (Lousie) Hammond, Marion Hammond, Grace Hammond and William Hammond of Galesville; his In-laws: Joseph and Vinnett Powers, Dick and Dorothy Eggenberger, Donald and Mrytle “Tiny” Pierce, Arvid and Mildred “Pat” Evenson, Frances “Jackie” McFadden-Eggenberger, and William Powers.

He is survived by his sons; Terry (Sue), grandsons Todd and William; Michael, grandsons Nicholas and Alex. He is also survived by his step-children: Randolph (Julie) Happel, Vicki Engevold, William (Kathy) Happel, Kenne (Clare) Happel and Gail Happel, a sister–in-law, Nancy Powers and many other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the Trempealeau United Methodist Church on March 20. A visitation will start at 10 am and the service at 11am. A Celebration of Life will follow with a luncheon. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be given to: Trempealeau United Methodist Church, 24255 4th St. Trempealeau WI 54661, or the Gundersen Medical Foundation-Cardiac Fund, 1836 South Ave., La Crosse WI. 54601.