Paul Myron Goldhammer was born June 19, 1935, in Avon, South Dakota, the middle of five boys born to Leo and Alfrieda (Kraft) Goldhammer. Paul graduated from Wagner, South Dakota High School in 1953 and married his high school sweetheart, Mary (Sallie) Lofberg on August 28, 1955, in Wagner. In 1957 he enlisted in the United States Army and served at Command Headquarters in Berlin, Germany. In 1962, Paul went to work for the city of Wall, South Dakota as the Director of Public Works until his retirement in 2000. After the death of Sallie in 1996, Paul remarried Judy Olney on July 5, 2008, in Wall.
Paul was a long-time member of First Lutheran Church in Wall. He was a founding member of the Wall Jaycees, 35-year member of the Wall Volunteer Fire Department and original member of the Wall Ambulance Service. He was an original and current member of the West River Lyman Jones Water Project and was also appointed by multiple South Dakota Governors to the State Board of Water and Natural Resources.
Survivors include, his wife, Judy and her children Heather (Robert), Shane (Trista), Kempton and granddaughter, Kennedy (Sugar). Paul’s children Jay (Jana), Tim (Beth), Lacey (Mark) Wellens, Pat (Shawna), and Kari (Scott) Bappe, 13 grandchildren and 2 great- grandchildren and one on the way. Brothers, Marlyn (Sharon), Maurice (Susan) and Andre.
He is preceded in death by his first wife Sallie, his first son, Todd, in infancy, his parents, brother Marcus and his grandson’s Lane and William.
Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 35, Wall, SD 57790.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 24, at First Lutheran Church in Wall.
Interment with military honors will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 25, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, South Dakota.
Memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 25, at the Community Center in Wall with Pastor Christopher McCarthy and Paul's brother, Pastor Maurice Goldhammer, officiating.
Guest Book
I was blessed with the opportunity to serve with Paul on the South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources from 2010 to 2018. His contribution to expanding access to clean drinking water in our stat is immeasurable. He brought great insight and wisdom to the board. He will be missed.
~ Brad D. Johnson
Watertown, SD (6/23/2021)
Judy and Family,
My Deepest Sympathy. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I will always remember Paul, very kind man. I also remember him working at the city with my Grandpa.
~ Fawna (Geigle) Goff
Sturgis, SD (6/24/2021)
My condolences to the family on the passing of Paul. Grateful for his many years of outstanding service to the community of Wall. He was an outstanding man.
~ Kevin Foster
Rapid City (6/24/2021)
With sympathy to all the family and caring thoughts as you honor a treasured life.
~ Leslie and Catherine Williams
Lincoln Ne. (6/22/2021)
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of this gentleman. Gods blessings.
~ George & Shirley Dennis
Philip, SD (6/27/2021)
I knew Paul for many years thru the water industry. He was a great guy!! So sorry to hear of his passing!!
~ Rob Kittay
Pierre SD (6/23/2021)
Thinking of you at this time and sending prayers and hugs to you.
~ Linda Stilwell
Kadoka (6/22/2021)
Dear Judy, our love and prayers are with you, your family and Paul's family. Paul always had a smile and a warm greeting wen I saw him in Wall. Denny and Susan Walsh
~ Denny & Susan Walsh
Miami FL. (6/24/2021)
I had the joy of getting to know Paul as a customer. I will never forget his amazing smile and wonderful laugh! Paul is one of the finest persons that I have known in my life. I wish his family God's peace.
~ Steve Flanery
Rapid City (6/24/2021)
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss.
~ Dale & Penny Baumann
Quinn, SD (6/23/2021)
Paul and Sally babysat for us and when Paul got home from work the kids just loved him. Paul always asked me how our kids were when I would see him.
~ Donna Crown
Wall (6/24/2021)
Goldhammer Family, Paul was one of the GREATEST persons that I knew and I know I am not alone saying that. He will be missed to say the least. God speed.
~ Brandon Cuppy
Tea, SD (6/23/2021)
So sorry to hear. Paul was a good mentor back in the day
~ Aaron Kitterman & family
Bel Aire, KS (6/24/2021)
Paul were Bruce were roomates in Philip Bruce so enjoyed there visits Prayers to the Families
~ Bonnie Madsen
Kadoka S.D. (6/22/2021)
So privileged to have known Paul. I told Melanie a couple of month ago that Paul was one of the people I most admired when growing up in Wall. He was truly a nice guy and made Wall a better place for everyone. We need more people like Paul.
~ Dwight & Melanie Flatt
Chandler, AZ (6/25/2021)
To the Goldhammer Family: You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. We loved Paul and his family. We wish we could be at the service to tell you in person how wonderful it was to know Paul. He was a wonderful man and we loved him dearly.
~ John and Joanie Eisenbraun
1511 West Savannah Circle, Noble Ok. (6/24/2021)
We are so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. He was such a good person, Prayers for all the Families.
~ Oliver & Gayle Carson
Quinn,SD (6/23/2021)
So sorry for you loss Judy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this difficult time.
~ Bob and Vanessa Gardner
Pierre SD (6/23/2021)
Just a good guy. So pleasant to talk with. He will be missed!
~ Rose Luedeman
Wa;; (6/24/2021)
Sending my sympathy at the loss of Paul. My thought and prayers go out to all of you.
~ Lea Willuweit Ymker
Armour SD (6/23/2021)
My thoughts and prayers are with all the Goldhammer families. No better friend a person could have than Paul, he will always be remembered.
~ Barbara N. Crawford
Wasta (6/24/2021)
We were so saddened to hear of the loss of our dear Uncle Paul. Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire Goldhammer family. While overseas when our Dad and Paul were in the Army, visiting them in Wall or seeing them and their family at reunions, we were always made to feel welcome and loved. We will miss Paul's twinkling eyes, bright smile, and huge hugs. Much love, from Patty, Bunny, Lori, and Susie.
~ Patty, Bunny, Lori, and Susie
Minnesota and Wisconsin (6/25/2021)
Judy, thinking of you and sending prayers for comfort and peace.
~ Margo R. Fredericksen
Kadoka (6/22/2021)
So many wonderful memories of Paul and Sally when I was young! Loved them! Paul always had a way to make me feel at home whenever we were there. My thoughts and prayers to you all. ~Mary
~ Mary Luze-Knox
Highmore (6/23/2021)