James H. Hamann

James (Jim) Herbert Hamann, 84, went home to heaven, passing away peacefully on December 27, 2025, at Rennes Health and Rehab, under the care of Aspirus Hospice.

Jim was born at home in the Town of Wein (Edgar, WI) to the late Carl and Selma (Pilgrim) Hamann, and was raised on his family's farm and homestead. Jim attended a one room schoolhouse in the Town of Wein and graduated from Edgar High School. With the aid of his sister, Jim met his future wife, Janice, at Edgar High School. They were married on May 4, 1963, and shared 62 years of marriage before his passing.

Jim and Janice had a partnership like no other. Janice showed selfless support for Jim and his work throughout the decades. Together, they enjoyed traveling, both for work and pleasure, working on house and yard projects not only for their homes, but also their children's homes, and created a life built on love, purpose, and shared joy. Jim was an unrelenting advocate for his wife when she was challenged with medical issues.

Jim enjoyed vacations centered around historical or engineering points of interest, from the Panama Canal to the Hoover Dam. A heartfelt thank you to his brother-in-law, Jerry, and Jerry's wife, Diane, for making their adventures so special over the decades.

Jim had a keen interest and natural skill in building construction. Jim joined the team at Wausau Homes in 1973. His work included quality control, plant management, purchasing, corporate materials manager, and safety manager. After his first of many retirements, he, with Janice by his side, traveled around the country setting up and engineering additional Wausau Homes plants. Jim had an unapparelled self-motivation and passion for his work, and a sincere dedication to carrying out the vision of Wausau Homes, Inc. This dedication and work ethic set an example for his children that remains with them today.

In his retirement, he placed immeasurable value on keeping active and being of value. He enjoyed volunteering as a driver for North Central Health Care. He enjoyed breakfasts with colleagues, neighbors, and friends. At the end of each day, Jim enjoyed reading the daily financial and business newspapers, following the national and local news, and tracking markets, investments, and advances in automobile technology. He served on various boards of directors, church council, and committees. He supported multiple non-profit organizations. He was a charter member, firefighter, Secretary, Treasurer, and Lieutenant of the Kronenwetter Fire Department.

Jim, along with Janice, gave their children immeasurable gifts. Jim was selfless when it came to helping his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He took every opportunity to be a part of their lives. Jim was not only a father, but also a close friend and confidant. He was a true patriarch of the family, still offering advice up until his final weeks.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janice (Gallenberg) of Weston; his three children, Steven (Gayle) Hamann of Medford, Michael (Judy) Hamann of Edgar, and Cathy (Keene) Winters of Wausau; four grandchildren, Daniel (Jessica) Hamann of Edgar, Jorgen Hamann of Wausau, Sarah (Joshua) Aubin of Sussex, and Margaret (Patrick) Reilly of Edgerton. He is further survived by seven great-grandchildren, Izzabella, Adalae, Caroline, Eve, Hannah, Caleb, and Byron.

In addition, he is survived by several siblings and their spouses, including one sister Mary (Lloyd) Schultz of Edgar; one brother, Raymond (Eileen) Hamann of Stratford; and sisters-in-law, Diane Gallenberg of Plover, Thea Hamann of Stratford, Karen Hamann of Stratford, Carol Hamann of Nekoosa, and Catherine Hamann of Custer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers, Robert, Charles, David, John, Thomas, and Lloyd; one brother-in-law, Jerome Gallenberg; one sister-in-law, Wilma (wife of Robert); and his beloved Yorkie-Poo, Sammy.

The family wishes to thank those heroes who have shown grace, presence, kindness, and support for Jim and his family in his final journey. He loved being part of the communities at Birchwood Highlands and Renaissance. We are grateful for the time and efforts of Aspirus Wausau Hospital Emergency Department, Orthopedic Associates trauma surgeon team, Aspirus Palliative Care, Rennes, and Aspirus Hospice for ensuring Jim was completely comfortable as God guided his final weeks and days.

A memorial service celebrating Jim's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1901 Kowalski Road, Kronenwetter. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the church, a luncheon will follow the service.

The family is grateful to Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston for handling arrangements. You may sign the family guestbook at www.ascendweston.org.