Gary Neil Hammer, 55, of Spearfish, SD died at Spearfish Regional Hospital Friday, April 22, 2011.

Gary was born in Hot Springs, SD on February 8, 1956, to Joseph R. Hammer and Delores A. (Carriger) Hammer. Gary graduated from Spearfish High School, class of 1974. He worked at Homestake Mining Company for many years before managing an Apartment complex in Gillette, WY. He also spent time working as a
maintenance man after he retired.

Gary loved spending time with his family and friends, riding his motorcycle and tinkering around in the garage with anything he could get his hands on. He loved to laugh and make others laugh and did so, often. You could always count on him for a quick joke or an amusing story. He really enjoyed movies and music. Gary was an active outdoorsman especially when spending time with family and friends at Keyhole lake. Family was important to Gary. He loved his family unconditionaly, especially his children, Elizabeth, Stephanie and Jacob, his grandchildren, Kiera, Nora and Catherine and his fiance, Misty.

Rest in peace, Gary, beloved father, son, brother and life partner. You are home now.

Memorial Services will be at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday April 30, 2011 at the Connection Church on 738 Fifth Street in Spearfish.

Survivors include his mother Delores Hammer, Belle Fourche; son Jacob Hammer, Kansas; daughters Elizabeth Janssen, Spearfish, Stephanie Hammer, Lakewood, CO; fiance Misty Barton, Livingston, MT; brother Joe Hammer, Rapid City, SD; and three granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Hammer.