Kathy Hammer

Kathy Lynn Hammer (Lee), 66, Breckenridge, MN, passed away after a short but courageous battle with cancer on March 14, 2025 at her home.

Kathy was born on September 17, 1958 in Fergus Falls, MN to Robert and Loretta (Boen) Lee. Kathy was the "baby" out of six children. She grew up in Breckenridge and was baptized and confirmed at Breckenridge Lutheran Church, attended Breckenridge schools until her final year she graduated a year early from Moorhead High.

Kathy met the love of her life, Joe Hammer, at Casey's bar in Breck. They were joined in marriage on August 7th, 1982, combining their two families into one. From their union, Amanda and Samantha were welcomed by their big brothers Brian, Justin and Paul.

In her lifetime, Kathy worked many jobs, mostly in retail. She worked at the Globe Gazette and Pamida in Wahpeton, and Cenex in Breckenridge where she retired after 30 plus years. Often, she would tell stories about her favorite farmer customers and loved showing off her children and grandchildren to them. During her time at Cenex she found her soul sister, also named Kathy.

Kathy had numerous passions and hobbies, the top being her grandchildren. Many times, you could find her outside in one of her many gardens. If not in the garden, she would be in her "room" with loud music playing either working on her family history or scrapbooks of family photo albums. When you walked in her "room" you could see her love for traveling from the various souvenirs displayed. She collected many things including antiques, Hummel figurines and memorabilia from her favorite things in life. Another hobby she enjoyed ever the years was crocheting, making blankets for her family members. In the summer months she could be found enjoying the lake with her husband and family.

Kathy was preceded in death by: her parents; grandparents; brother, Ronald Lee; son, Paul Raftevold; grandson, Joshua Raftevold; her father-and-mother-in-law, Mike and Romayne Hammer; brother in-law, Richard Hammer; son in-law, Christopher Noel.

Kathy was survived by: her loving husband of 42 years, Joe; children Brian (Allison) Raftevold, Justin (Jackie) Hammer, Amanda Noel, Samantha (Wade Felton) Hammer; grandchildren Haylee (Taj) Moore, Elizabeth and Sierra Hammer, Grace and Waylan Raftevold, and Asher, Brynlee and Taylynn Noel; great-grandchildren Tyren, Traveon and Adonis Moore; siblings Robert (Marcia) Johnson, Donald (Sue) Lee, Judy (Collin) Prochnow, Debbie (Bill) White; special friends Kim Smerud, Jaime Raftevold and Kathy Schillinger and many nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley for their quick and caring service to make Mom comfortable in her final hours.

We will always love you, Mom!

Services will be held at 1pm at Breckenridge Lutheran Church, Breckenridge, MN on Saturday April 26, 2025 with a luncheon to follow. Private family burial will happen later.

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com