Steven L. Hammond, 77, of Hammond Dr., Ishpeming, joined our heavenly Father, Thursday morning, April 22, 2021 at UP Health System Marquette following a year long illness, with his loving wife at his side. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.
Steven was born December 4, 1943 in Battle Creek, MI to Lyone and Joyce (Carney) Hammond. As a boy, he attended a one room schoolhouse in the farming country with his five siblings. He loved the farming life, working as a farmhand at nearby farms, while also working at his own family’s farm.
As a teenager, Steve and his buddies loved muscle cars, terrorizing the streets of the Hastings and Nashville areas. After high school, he began working for Bliss Manufacturing and bought his first new 1963 Red Impala 327, 300hp four on the floor.
Steve’s working career was mainly for the State of Michigan. He began working as a nursing attendant and then as a MIOSHA inspector. His love of snowmobiling brought him to the Upper Peninsula as a liquor storekeeper, where he became involved with is MSEA union as a steward. When the liquor stores were dismantled, he took a job as the prison storekeeper. He used to joke that he met his future wife in prison, which usually raised a few eyebrows.
Steve and his wife, Valerie, enjoyed their time together motor homing across country, taking Caribbean Cruises, and spending time at their winter home in Florida where they enjoyed boating, fishing, or just sitting on the beach enjoying a cold beer. Steve was a diehard Detroit Lions fan, mostly disappointed but always hopeful. Above all, he loved spending time and playing with his grandchildren. He was a very proud grandfather.
Surviving are his loving wife, Valerie (Swanson/Knueppel) Hammond; his children: Christopher (Jody) Hammond of TN, Sherri (Jay) Dunham of NY, Rebecca (Kevin) Quinn of TN, Rebecca Fletcher of MI, and his step-daughter, Laine (Rich) Weidner of Ishpeming; his 17 grandchildren: Kasey, Marcus, Lucas, David, Stephanie, Andrew, Robbie, Janet, Bradley, Kayson, Haley, Joseph, Shaylynn, Hunter, Mason, Adelynn and Ruby (Grandpa’s Gingersnap); his siblings: Michael Hammond, Linda (Bill) Cole, Claudia (Bill) Hoaglin, Rick (Eileen) Hammond, LouAnn (Don) Warren, and brother-in-law, Kurt Swanson. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews; as well as his dear pets: Sadie, Oona and Murphy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Wendy Gudmundson; a step-son, Ryan Knueppel; sister-in-law, Charlotte Hammond; and in-laws, Roland and Rosemary Swanson.
Honoring Steve’s wishes, no public services will be held. A celebration of life will be held outdoors at a later date.
Mr. Hammond’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com