Karen Denise (Hammer) Catlett

Karen Denise (Hammer) Catlett, 66, of Newton, died Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Valley Vista Nursing and Rehab. A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Denise’s name can be left at the visitation. (Please make checks payable to Brian Hammer.)

   Denise, the daughter of Carroll and Ruth (Klootwyk) Hammer, was born December 7, 1959, in Newton. She grew up in Newton and attended Newton schools.  She was united in marriage with Stephen Catlett, and together, they had one son, Brian.  Denise primarily stayed at home with Brian while he was growing up, but she also worked at the Christian Conference Center. Denise enjoyed playing Bingo and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.

   Those left to honor Denise’s memory include her son, Brian Hammer (Brooke Turner) of Newton; her grandchildren: Madison, Jordan, Bailey, Brian Jr., Beau, Aiden, Brooks, and Kenzyr; her siblings: Lori (Dennis) Rainey of Newton, Kevin (Linda) Hammer of Des Moines, and Becky McNeer (Bill Kennedy) of Newton; her uncle, Terry Hammer; aunt, Linda Hammer; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Steve Catlett; and a niece, Danielle Richtsmeier.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karen Denise (Hammer) Catlett, please visit our floral store.