Mary Ellen Hammes

Mary Ellen Hammes, 64, of Fond du Lac, died Sunday, January 22, 2017 at Hospice Home of Hope. She was born June 10, 1952 in Sheboygan, WI, the daughter of Steve and Viola Endres Mickelson. Mary attended St. Dominic’s Elementary School in Sheboygan and graduated from Sheboygan North in 1970. On August 14, 1976 she married Brian J. Hammes in Sheboygan. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from UW Oshkosh in 1988. Mary was co founder and COO of Family Focus Eye Care in Fond du Lac and was instrumental in growing the clinic into what it is today, with four doctors and 25 staff members. She was a respected leader in the eye care arena, serving as Secretary of the Wisconsin Foundation for Vision Awareness and also served as a consultant to other eye care practices. Mary had a keen interest in real estate which led her to pursue her real estate license. She was the core of her family with her wisdom and compassionate heart and always encouraged her children and grandchildren to pursue their education. Mary and her husband, Brian enjoyed many adventures including, attending the Grammys in 2009 and traveling to Lake Tahoe and visiting vineyards in wine country. She enjoyed golfing, socializing with family and friends, and loved to spend time with her five grandchildren.



She is survived by her husband, Dr. Brian Hammes; two children, Shelley (Charles Cornish) Odekirk of Fond du Lac and Dr. David (Amy) Hammes of Fond du Lac; five grandchildren, Alexia, Riley, and Claire Odekirk, Katelyn and Ryan Hammes; two brothers, Richard (Pam) Mickelson of Brooksville, FL and Jim Mickelson of Eau Claire; other relatives and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.



The visitation will be held from 3:30 – 5:30 PM on Friday, January 27, 2017 at Holy Family Church, 271 4th Street Way. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 5:30 PM on Friday, January 27, 2017 at Holy Family Church. Cremation has taken place.



In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary’s name can be made to Agnesian Hospice Home of Hope.