Robert N. 'Bob' Hamm

Robert N. ‘Bob’ Hamm, 92, was born to Frank N. and Mildred (White) Hamm on September 5, 1924 in Rapid City, South Dakota. He remained a lifelong resident of Rapid City until his death on September 23, 2016.After graduating from Rapid City High School in 1942, he was drafted into the US Army on March 31, 1943 and served until honorably discharged on April 2, 1946. Many cherished friendships formed during that time and endured until each of their passing.Having met his future wife, Fay Anderson, in high school, they were married after the war on June 7, 1946 and were blessed with two daughters. Early in their marriage, he was employed as an x-ray technician by day and photographer/film developer by night. He later secured a position as x-ray technician for 40 years with Dawley Kegareis Clinic and then Parkside Professional Building.Remaining “homebodies” working to build a home and support their family, the couple, who celebrated 70 years of marriage in June, watched their much loved family grow to include four grandchildren and their spouses and ten great grandchildren. Fay’s large family quickly became his family.For their tiny home, Bob crafted closets, kitchen cabinets, kitchen nook, bookcases and pieces of furniture. He also built a playhouse and shed. Their walls were decorated with nearly forty amazing works of art he handcrafted of wooden matchsticks. This spare time passion followed years of creating many works of art out of wooden toothpicks, such as a Ferris wheel and the Eiffel Tower. Landscaping and maintaining their property were much enjoyed past times for him, along with reading, coin collecting and photography.Bob is survived by his wife, Fay and daughters, Sandra K. (Jack) Peterson, Newcastle, WY and Cheryl Hamm, Rapid City. He leaves behind four treasured grandchildren and their spouses, Travis (Maddi) Peterson, Newcastle, WY, Cory (Mari) Peterson, Parker, CO, Tia Sparby, Rapid City and Robyn (Brett) Pexton, Cheyenne, WY. Also surviving him are ten wonderful great grandchildren, Connor Peterson, Aidan Peterson, Lilly Peterson, Holly Peterson, Brooks Peterson, Maia Peterson, Ella Sparby, Corbin Sparby, Alden Pexton and Greyson Pexton.He was preceded in death by his parents.