Dennis L. Hamann

Dennis L. Hamann, 73, of Palmer died in his sleep at his home Aug. 17, 2011.

Born May 9, 1938, to original Palmer Colonists Leroy and Gretchen Hamann, Dennis was one of the first “crops” of kids born at Valley Hospital. He spent his life in the Valley, raising his four children with Delores, his beloved wife of 51 years.

He worked a variety of jobs during his life, beginning with driving truck for the Jonesville Coal Mine. Dennis also worked for B&C Auto in Anchorage and then as store manager in Palmer. During the 1970s, he worked as an owner/operator of a sawmill at King’s River followed by a partnership in Hamann and Son’s. The partnership included a building in downtown Palmer that housed a theater, laundromat and pool hall. After selling the business, Dennis went to work in 1976 as the boiler man for the Mat-Su Borough School District until he retired in 1994.

Born with a true pioneer spirit, he loved to hunt, fish and spend time outdoors enjoying the Alaska he loved so much.

He is survived by his wife, Delores Hamann; son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Cheryl Hamann of Kenai; son and daughter-in-law, Denny and Lori Hamann of Wasilla; daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Rod Matson of Kenai; brother, Errol Hamann of Palmer; adopted brother, Daniel Corey of Palmer; and numerous grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Gretchen; brothers, Laverne, Blaine and Randy Hamann; sister, Jean; and son, Tracy Hamann, who passed last March.

A memorial service is planned at 1 p.m., Aug. 27 at Lazy Mountain Bible Church in Palmer.