Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, October 19, 2026 at Anderson Funeral Home, Canton, SD.
Service: Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at Canton Lutheran Church.
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Alan Hammerstrom, age 68, died Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at Canton Lutheran Church. Private family burial will take place at a later date. Visitation, with family present, will be from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. Monday, October 19, 2026 at Anderson Funeral Home, Canton, SD.
Alan was born on August 24, 1958 to Luverne and Alyce (Jacobsen) Hammerstrom in Canton, SD. He grew up and attended school in Canton, graduating in 1977. During his high school days, he enjoyed helping the Kroger family with their race cars.
Alan joined the US military while still in high school. He proudly served in the SD Army National Guard as a staff sergeant delivering ammunition to field artillery from 1976 – 1984. He spent the next 20 years serving his country in the US Air Force. He repaired and painted aircraft at Ellsworth Air Force Base in SD for 3 years, Torrejon Air Base in Spain for 2 years, Davis – Monthan Air Force Base in AZ for 3 years, Osan Air Base in Korea for 1 year, Eielson Air Force Base in AK for 3 years, Osan Air Base in Korea for 3 years, Andersen Air Force Base in Guam for 3 years, and finished his military career by serving 2 years at Kunsan Air Base in Korea. After his retirement from the Air Force in 2004, he lived in Korea until recently moving back to South Dakota due to his declining health. In addition, he was a former volunteer firefighter for the Canton, SD and Box Elder, SD fire departments.
When he wasn’t working, Alan enjoyed playing darts, hunting, fishing, and volunteering at various charities and orphanages. He was a life-time VFW member and past commander at the Colonel Lewis L. Millett Hill 180 Memorial VFW Post 8180 at Osan Air Base, Korea. He was also an active member and past commander of the Cooties.
Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Alyce Hammerstrom; siblings, Tricia (Bruce) Marra of Hull, IA, and their children Ryan (Heather) Marra, Rochelle (Anthony) Behrens, and Evan Marra; Lynda (Charlie) Johnson of Canton, SD, and their children Alicia (Tyler) Stunes and Zachary Johnson; and the children of the late sister and brother-in-law, Deb (Allen, Jr.) Oakley: Regan (Alyssa) Oakley, Corey (Aleshia) Oakley, and Morgan Oakley; great-nieces and nephews, Aubrey, Addison, and Ainsley Marra, Jackson and Cameron Keizer, Emmalyn Behrens, Allen John Oakley, and Dax and Pyper Stunes; along with a host of extended relatives, friends, and military family. He was preceded in death by his father, Luverne, and sister and brother-in-law, Deb and Allen Oakley, Jr.
Rest in peace Hammer
so sorry to hear the passing of Alan. love hugs. and prayers
Sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. May your memories you each have bring you comfort.
Aunt Alyce, Lynda, and Tricia, we are so sorry to hear about Alan’s passing. I am glad that he was able to come home and see you all and know that he was cared for and loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we send our hugs and our love.
Love from Jana, Ian, Duane, and Family.
Saw Al when he was back on leave from the Air Force. He talked bout what he did.
Very interesting. Was a long time ago.
He was a nice person. Good dude.
I AM SO VERY SORRY FOR THE FAMILY OF ALAN WHO HAVE BEEN MY FRIENDS FOR YEARS. MAY OUR GOD WRAP HIS LOVING ARMS AROUND EACH ONE OF YOU IN YOUR SADNESS.
Lynda and family,
Sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers during this difficult time.
Tracy Montgomery
Sending hugs & prayers to all of Alan’s family. I had never realized how many places Alan had visited during his Army and Navy days. He truly dedicated his whole life to protecting all of us, thank you Alan.
Alan, thank you for your service to your country. Our family has always held service members in high regard. I am thankful for Lynda getting you home so that you were with friends and family who loved you. God’s peace.
We are so Sorry! A forever friend he was. Bless the family. Sincerely,Tari Johnson and my Mom, Donna Severson
Sorry for your loss.