Neil Louis Hammerich

Neil Louis Hammerich, cherished husband, father, and friend, passed away on July 18 at age 67.

He married Donna (Lucas) Hammerich in 1975, and together they had two children: Jenna (Eric Johnson) Hammerich of Iowa City, IA, and Gail (Joe) Klein of Stoughton, WI. Neil was a master carpenter, engineer, and woodworker. He earned an AA in electrical engineering from IVCC and worked for many years as an operations manager for a local industry. Family and friends knew him as someone who could build and repair anything. Aside from his marriage and children, his crowning achievement was constructing (alongside Donna and three friends) his family’s beautiful A-frame house in rural Granville—a home, a work of art, a gathering place, a project workshop. He also helped countless friends and neighbors work on their own homes over the years. We will miss his unexpectedly playful sense of humor (charades, anyone?), his creativity, and his companionship most of all.

Neil loved homegrown tomatoes and watermelon; freshwater fishing; swimming; watching classic TV; ice skating; learning about history and technology; exploring the countryside; hunting for mushrooms and fossils; and beautifying his property.

Survivors include his wife; daughters; granddaughters Violet, Bea, and Hazel; sister Jo (Lynn) DeVore of Normal, IL; and labs Max and Ruby.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ludwig and Pauline Hammerich; his brother Keith; and his beloved dogs Buck, Sammy, Toto, Ace, Oreo, Ginger, and Froelich.

A service will be held at his and Donna’s home at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, August 1, followed by fellowship until 7:00 p.m.

Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel will be assisting the family with the arrangements.

Online condolences may be made to his family at www.dcfunerals.com

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