Otto Lee Hamm

The very special spirit of Otto Lee Hamm left our physical realm on June 30, 2015, in Mesa, Arizona. He was born on November 26, 1933, in Montgomery County, Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Jan Hamm, and two sons, Thomas and Timothy Hamm as well as Tom’s children, Tom and Kayliegh. His first wife, Mary Pat; his parents, Homer Hamm and Betty (Ball) Hamm; as well as his grandparents, John and Edith Ball who raised him; all preceded him in death.

Many of his friends remember him from software projects he managed throughout the years. He was loved by many who worked for him because he always focused on delivering a superior product to his customers. He was also skilled at recognizing and rewarding talent and hard work, an attribute that assured him of a proficient and loyal team.

Otto’s early years held many disadvantages. When he completed high school at White’s Institute in Wabash County, Indiana, he went to work for a printing company. Because young men were being drafted for the Korean conflict, his veteran co-workers encouraged him to enlist, rather than be drafted into the army. His enlistment in the US Air Force proved to be a decision that would change his life. There he was trained in accounting, then encouraged to move to computer science where he was exposed to the early development of computer technology. The US Air Force and IBM provided him with training on each new technological innovation implemented by the Air Force.

Once he returned to civilian life, Otto realized the value of his knowledge and acumen in this field. He and Jan eventually started their own business and led many software development and installation projects over a period of 30 years.

Otto was a loving husband, business partner, and best friend. He was a serious home chef, he loved golf, and he was generous to his family and friends in a caring way, quietly helping when help was needed.

A memorial service will be held in Minnesota at a later date. This website will be updated to identify time and place, and key friends and family will be notified personally.

Donations may be made to the Phoenix American Lung Association at www.lungusa.org/ or to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/contact-us/phoenix.aspx.