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Monday, May 4th 2026
Steve Hammer: Celebrating Nearly 40 Years of Service
After 40 years of dedicated service, Lake Region Electric Cooperative is bidding farewell and happy trails to Steve Hammer as he retires from his role as Senior Meter Technician and Supervisor.
Steve’s journey with LREC began in September 1985 as a part-time employee before transitioning to full-time on May 1, 1986. Newly married and looking for a stable career to support his growing family, Steve found much more than a job at Lake Region. He found a place to build a career rooted in service, hard work, and community.
Like many employees in the cooperative’s earlier days, Steve wore many hats. With a smaller team, everyone stepped in where needed, and Steve’s career reflected that cooperative spirit. Over the years, he worked in the warehouse, mapping, work order processing, and metering. In 1991, then-Director of Operations Tony Hallum recognized Steve’s strengths and asked him to move into metering full-time, a role that would define the remainder of his career and ultimately lead to his position as Senior Meter Technician and Supervisor.
When reflecting on his time at LREC, Steve shared that one of the most rewarding parts of his career was knowing he played a small role in something much bigger.
“Being a small part of helping keep the lights on for our member-owners and doing whatever was needed to accomplish that” is what he says he enjoyed most.
Over the course of his career, Steve witnessed tremendous change at the cooperative. From working under longtime manager Mrs. Grace Hudlin to seeing the implementation of automated meter reading and remote connect and disconnect technology, he experienced firsthand the transformation of the electric utility industry and LREC’s continued commitment to innovation.
But while the technology changed, one thing remained constant: the people.
Steve says the relationships he built throughout the years are what he will miss the most. Working alongside dedicated coworkers and serving the cooperative’s members created memories and friendships that will stay with him long after retirement.
As he begins this next chapter, Steve is looking forward to plenty of adventure. Alongside his supportive wife, he plans to spend more time enjoying the outdoors through camping, bicycling, birding, jeeping, and traveling, especially exploring stretches of historic Route 66. He is excited to spend more time with his two grandchildren, and with retirement offering a little extra freedom, he may even take up learning the banjo or fiddle or spend more time writing songs.
One project especially close to his heart is restoring his 1960 Ford Falcon two-door, a project he hopes to finally get back on the road.
Of course, before retirement life fully settles in, Steve joked that he has a to-do list waiting for him, one that may take some time to complete.
Looking back, Steve shared that he feels truly blessed for the life and career he has had.
Lake Region Electric Cooperative extends its sincere gratitude to Steve Hammer for his nearly four decades of dedication, service, and commitment to our members. His impact on this cooperative will be felt for years to come.
Congratulations, Steve, and happy trails on your next adventure.
