Kenneth Hamm

RACINE, Wis. — Kenneth Lee Hamm, 85, of Racine, Wis., formerly of Princeton, died Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008, at United Hospital in Kenosha.

He was born Nov. 12, 1923, in Princeton, the son of the late David and Clara (Swanson) Hamm.

He served as a corporal in the U.S. Army 114th Infantry Division during World War II stationed in the European Theatre and had received the Bronze Star. On June 18, 1949, in Oak Park, Ill., he was united in marriage to Janice E. VanZile.

Ken graduated from Carthage College, received his master’s degree from the University of Illinois and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Iowa. He was employed by Carthage College as a Professor of Chemistry for 41 years, retiring in 1989 as head of the Science-Math Division. In 1971 he was the first recipient of the Outstanding Teacher Award.

He was a member of Bethania Lutheran Church. His hobbies included golfing, traveling, reading and flying as a small aircraft pilot.

Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Janice; two daughters, Diane (William) Katt of Kenosha, Wis., and Janet (Joe) Teeters of Laurel, Md.; two grandchildren, Ryan Katt of Waukesha, Wis., and Kendra Katt of Kenosha, Wis.; two sisters, Joan Mercer and Barbara (Jim) Rife; one sister-in-law, Ernestine Hamm; and other relatives and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, David.

Services were held Monday with the with Rev. Steve Wohfiel officiating. Private burial followed at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hamm Endowed Scholarship at Carthage College.

The Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home in Racine, Wis., was in charge of arrangements.