Service: A visitation will be held on January 10, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Harrisburg Funeral Home in Harrisburg, SD.

Michael Hammerstrom, age 61 of Harrisburg, SD, passed away on December 24, 2025 from kidney failure and lifelong diabetes.

Michael Scott Hammerstrom was born on December 3, 1964 in Sioux Falls, SD, to Gene and Velma (Mundhenke) Hammerstrom. He received his early education at the Crippled Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls and later graduated from Harrisburg High School with the class of 1983.

Michael was the oldest of three children and was born with significant physical challenges, including spina bifida and sacral agenesis. As a young child. he underwent the amputation of both legs below the knees. Despite all of these challenges, he met life head on with resilience, perseverance, curiosity, and a deep love for family and friends.

Michael enjoyed many activities throughout his life. He loved fishing with friends, hunting prairie dogs on his cousin Terry’s ranch, and playing pool at the Phoenix in Harrisburg. Every so often Michael would bring his old wheelchair to the bar and make his friends play a game seated in the wheelchair, which proved entertaining to all the customers.

Michael was also chosen to be the Easter Seal Poster Child in 1972, and got to meet Governor Kneip in Pierre, SD. Governor Kneip also introduced him to the House of Representatives and the Senate.

During the summer months he spent many hours cruising the streets of Harrisburg on his three-wheeler, the last two years he amassed over 6000 miles. He spent several summers going to air shows and was expert at telling his dad the full story on each plane. He was an avid reader and collected a library of books on military, airplanes and space. Michael loved spending time with family. He especially enjoyed playing cards with his family. Known as “Uncle Mike” he held a special place in the hearts of his nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Michael was preceded in death by his four grandparents and many aunts, uncles and friends.

Michael is survived by his parents, Gene and Velma Hammerstrom, his brother Steven and Cathy (Boylan) Hammerstrom, his sister Amy and Bill Stanley; his nephews Michael Joseph Hammerstrom, Thomas Hammerstrom, and Jack Stanley; and his nieces, Mary Kate Abdallah, Tessa Hammerstrom and Elizabeth Stanley.

A visitation will be held on January 10, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Harrisburg Funeral Home in Harrisburg, SD. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, or charity of your choice.

Michael was cremated and burial will take place at a later date.