December 28, 1965 – October 19, 2026
Douglas Blair Hamm was, quite simply, one of a kind. Magnetic, intelligent, kind-hearted, sensitive, and endlessly playful, he possessed a rare gift for bringing out the best in others. He had an infectious enthusiasm for life, a genuine curiosity about the world, and an extraordinary ability to make everyone he encountered feel special. Whether you had known Doug for decades or had just met him, he had a way of making you feel as though you mattered. Because to Doug, you did.
Born on December 28, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois, Doug was the son of Glenn and Catherine Hamm. A lifelong learner with an insatiable curiosity, Doug earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Business Administration and History from Illinois Wesleyan University, a Master of Business Administration from Illinois State University, and a Ph.D. in Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands. His love of learning was matched only by his passion for sharing knowledge and inspiring others.
Doug enjoyed a distinguished and diverse professional career that included leadership roles at Vuteq Corporation; Martin Engineering; and Kohler Company.
Doug eventually found a particularly meaningful calling in higher education, where his passion for teaching, mentoring, and helping others succeed truly flourished. Doug’s proudest professional accomplishments were at Lakeshore Technical College and at Moraine Park Technical College. These roles represented so much of what Doug valued most: education, leadership, collaboration, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Above all, Doug treasured his family. He married Kerry Hamm on June 1, 2013, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Together, they shared a life filled with love, laughter, and the countless moments that make a life together meaningful. Doug was a loving and proud father to Ryan Hamm (Abby), Emily Moe (Justin), and Brent Budnik (Courtney). He also had the joy of welcoming his first grandchild, Eloise Marie Hamm, daughter of Ryan and Abby, into the family.
Doug is survived by his loving wife, Kerry Hamm; his children, Ryan (Abby) Hamm, Emily (Justin) Moe, and Brent Budnik (Courtney); his granddaughter, Eloise Marie Hamm; his parents, Glenn and Catherine Hamm; his sister, Glenna Hamm; his parents-in-law, Bob and Sue Braunel; his sister-in-law, Beth Braunel; and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Diane DeConinck.
And while the world feels a little less bright without him, it is comforting to imagine that somewhere beyond this life, Doug is still doing what he did best – sharing a wonderful story, making someone smile, and finding just the right words to make another person feel special.
Because Doug never just entered a room. He made it a better place.
The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water Street, Manitowoc.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Doug’s name to start a student scholarship fund.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the Hamm family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
