Michael D. Hanmer

Michael Douglas Hanmer, age 72, of Iron River, MI, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 26, 2019 at his home. Michael was born on January 23, 1947 in Stambaugh, MI, the son of the late Marion (Uren) Dobson and Douglas Hanmer. He attended the Iron River Schools and graduated from Iron River High School, with the Class of 1966. Michael then entered the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, he was a Sargent First Class for the United States Army MI-AR-NG (Michigan Army National Guard) in Recruiting for 25 years, retiring in 1998. He married the former Susan Kay DeMay on November 6, 1999 in Iron Mountain, MI at the Military Chapel and the couple made their home in Iron River. They celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary in 2018.   Michael served as the sexton for Resthaven Cemetery in Iron River Township, retiring in 2009. He was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church of Caspian, MI, the Knights of Columbus, VFW Ottawa Post 3134, American Legion Reino Post #21, Mobile Riverine Force Association, and retired from the Police Department and Iron River Fire Department. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed all the recreation that the U.P. had to offer. He is survived by his wife, Susan; son, Michael Hanmer of Atlanta, GA; grandson, Michael Hanmer III of Atlanta, GA; son-in-law, Christopher Kepperling of Atlanta, GA; brother, Arnold (Marsha) Dobson of Austin, TX; sisters, Ellen Harris of Iron River, MI and Jackie (Donald) Bomaster of Gaastra, MI. In addition to both of his parents, he was also preceded in death by his daughter, Rachelle Kepperling and two brothers, Fredrick Hanmer and John Dobson. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 from 10:00am to 12:45pm at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.  The Iron Range Fire Association will conduct a walk-through at the visitation.  The Fourth Degree Honor Guard of the Knights of Columbus will stand a wake watch during the visitation.  Funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River with Rev. Gregory Veneklase to offer the Mass of Christian Burial. The Michigan Army National Honor Guard and West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites after the service. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery, Iron River.  To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michael D. Hanmer, please visit our flower store.