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.
Mike will be missed by his Phoenix Lounge family, my sincere CONDOLENCES 🙏 to all of Mike’s family and friends
TURK
Gene and Velma, I am so sorry to hear of your son’s passing. He sounds like he was an amazing man. Sending prayers to help you heal. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Gene and Velma, sorry for the loss of Michael! What a nice time to go your heavenly home on Christmas Eve! My Sympathy to the family.
A good man. Mike was always kind, patient and fun. May he rest in peace.
I went on a. blind date in 1982 with Henry Mueller and little Mikey was the first guy i met of the friends at Harrisburg High School that evening and he and I danced a couple of dances that evening, Henry and I would marry shortly after graduation and little Mikey was our best man. He would then become a God father to our princess Rebecca. such an inspiration and he will be greatly missed. until we meet again Mike.
My Greatest condolences on the passing of a true gentleman and class person. God Bless to all the family He will truly be missed
Brian Lind
Sorry to hear of Michels passing I was a teacher at CCHS and I can’t remember a day when he didn’t make my day better because of his great sense of humor and his kind words to others.He was a real gem!
I taught at CCHS and had Mike in either my third or fourth grade classroom. He always brought joy to the classroom with his sense of humor and compassion for others. I thank him for bringing joy to my life. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Sending sincere sympathy to Gene and Velma and all the family. Michael was a special person who appreciated life even though he had many obstacles to deal with. God’s comfort and grace to all of you.
So sorry! He is healed and traveling in his new Home!! He followed my FB posts and made comments! Had a Great spirit! God Bless and take him into His arms!
So sorry! Michael is now healed and traveling around his new home!! He followed my FB posts , and made comments! Always a Gentleman! God Bless him and take him into His Arms
Our heartfelt prayers are with the entire Hammerstrom Family. We remember how much Mike enjoyed his nephews and nieces when he visited Virginia. We will keep you in our prayers as Mike’s incredible life is celebrated this week.
Mike was a friend and a classmate of mine from Harrisburg. My deepest condolences to his family. Mourning his loss, we celebrate the gift of his friendship. His laughter still echoes in the quiet moments, reminding us to live life to the fullest, just as he did. May you rest in piece Mike until we meet again.
Prayers of strength and healing during this difficult time. Hoping you are able to celebrate his life and reminisce on all the great memories he has left with you.