Jerry Morse Hammer

Jerome "Jerry" Morse Hammer, 78, of Cedar Falls passed away at Cedar Valley Hospice Home on Monday, November 16, 2020.  He was born September 23, 1942, in Lac Qui Parle, MN, son of Joseph and Ragna (Morseth) Hammer.  Jerry graduated from high school in Milan, MN, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and, on May 18, 1963, married his high school sweetheart, Anita Dvergsten, in Bremerton, WA.  Following an honorable discharge, he attended Concordia College and graduating in 1967 from North Dakota State College of Science where he studied Industrial Drafting and Design.  The couple moved to Cedar Falls where he worked for John Deere until his retirement in 2015 with 48 years of service.  Anita preceded him in death in 1993.  Jerry was introduced to Nancy (Nemmers) Cawelti and the couple was married September 29, 1994, at Nazareth Lutheran in Cedar Falls.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Anita; and a brother, Roland.  He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Nancy; his sons, Brian Hammer of Dunkerton and Mike Hammer of MS; his daughter, Julie (Tim Knebel) Barth of Cedar Falls; step sons, Ryan (Kim) Cawelti of Cedar Falls and Chris (J.J.) Cawelti of Keller, TX; 3 grandchildren: Katie Henze, Meagan Barth and Austin Gotta; 6 step-grandchildren: Emma Cawelti; Reese Cawelti, Elise Cawelti, Joshua Cawelti, Braden Walker and Trenton Walker; 2 great-grandchildren: Kane Stainbrook and Jace Owen; and a sister, Adeline Johnson of St. Paul, MN.

Due to COVID-19, Jerry's family has held a private funeral service with burial at Greenwood Cemetery of Cedar Falls at this time.  Condolences may be left at www.DahlFuneralHome.com and, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice or to the Family.

Jerry was a huge fan of the Minnesota Vikings and enjoyed NASCAR, especially, following the John Deere car.  He loved doing 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles, gardening, landscaping and feeding the birds.  Jerry enjoyed relaxing outside on the beautiful deck that he designed and built. He and Nancy traveled frequently throughout the U.S. including trips to Hawaii and most recently to the Pacific Northwest.  Around the holidays, they frequented Branson for their Christmas shows.  Above all, Jerry cherished time with his grandkids and great-grandkids.