Betty Jane Hamm

Betty Jane Hamm, 83, of Fredonia died peacefully Friday, April 4, 2025, at Lasata Care Center in Cedarburg, where she had been for several weeks.

Betty was born on March 4, 1942, at home in Port Washington to the late Nicholas and Ethel (Capelle) Schinker.

She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Port Washington High School in 1960. She later earned an associate’s degree in electronic technology from MBTI.

On July 16, 1960, she married Joseph Hamm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Port Washington. They spent more than 63 years together and raised nine children on the family farm in the Town of Saukville. Joseph died on Nov. 7, 2023.

Betty was a stay-at-home mom for many years. During that time, she and her children grew and canned most of the vegetables and pickles her large family ate in a year.

She later worked at Amity Leather Co. in West Bend, Allen Edmonds in Belgium and Hayes Industrial Brake in Mequon for 22 years, retiring in 2009.

She was a member of the USW Local 8149 for many years and served as the financial secretary for 17 years. Betty was also a longtime member of the National Farmers Organization.

Betty was a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Fredonia (now Divine Savior), where she sang in the choir.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her hobbies included jigsaw puzzles, crocheting, cooking, baking and watching game shows. It is hardly a stretch to say there wasn’t an old Western she hadn’t seen a hundred times.

When her children were young, Betty was a 4-H leader for sewing and exploring.

She is survived by her sons William (Cathy) of Fredonia, Donald (Diane) and Richard, both of the Town of Saukville, and Randy (Mary) of Fredonia; and daughters Theresa (Scott) Hollrith of Grafton, Deb Hamm of Belgium and Jane (David) Robinson of Fredonia.

She is further survived by grandchildren Krista (Tom), Emily (Mike), Will, James, Josh (Angel), Shawn (Kadee), Heather, Holly (Micah), Caryn (Rem), Josie (Josh), Miah, Jared, Nic (Hannah), Kayla, Bret, Luke and Mariah; stepgrandchildren Jenni (Mike), Mary (Adam), Emily (Charlie) and Joe (Amber); many great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; other family members and friends.

Also surviving are her sisters Judy (Gerald) Burmesch and Luci (Roy) Myers, brothers Howard (Corinne) Schinker and Robert (Marjorie) Schinker and sister-in-law Mary Jo Schinker.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Joseph A., son Joseph W., son John, grandson Alan, brothers Nicholas and James, sisters-in-law Joyce and Bobbie Jo and in-laws George (Olive) Hamm, William Hamm and Sally and Nelson VerPlancke.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at Divine Savior Catholic Parish, Holy Cross Church, 5330 County Rd. B, Belgium. Father Don Thimm will preside. A Rosary service will take place at the church at 3:30 p.m., followed by visitation from 4 until 6:15 p.m.

She will be laid to rest beside her husband in St. Rose Cemetery in Fredonia the following day.

  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Divine Savior School.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lasata Care Center, Prime Horizon and Sharon S. Richardson Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.