Caledonia Argus

Posted: 5/12/03

Ray Hammell

Ray Hammell, 84, of Lansing, IA, died Saturday, May 10, 2003 at Thornton Manor Nursing Home in Lansing. Ray was born in Sand Cove, rural New Albin, IA, on June 21, 1918, to Cornelius and Mary ìMayî (Wall) Hammell. He was married to Margaret Troendle on November 10, 1943 at Immaculate Conception Church in Lansing. He later married Doris ìJudyî May on April 15, 1978, at the Little Brown Church at Nashua, IA.

For many years Ray farmed in rural Lansing and did road construction for Highway Surfacers of New Hampton, IA. Ray was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters since age 16. Also a member of the Mississippi River Valley Sportsmans Club for several years. He loved vegetable gardening, fishing and driving out to Sand Cove where he grew up. These last years he cracked a lot of walnuts and pecans for everyone.

Ray is survived by his wife Doris; ten children: Kenneth (Hazel), Wapello, IA, Carolyn Kukes, Lansing, Dorothy Schwartzhoff, Lansing, Shirley (Mike) Fink, New Albin, Kathryn ìKayî (Joe) Colvin, Fort Scott, KS, Mark (Renee), Lansing, Roger (Cindy), Lansing, Mary (Craig) Sand, Lansing, Elizabeth ìBetsyî Fish, Olympia, WA, and Gerald ìJerryî, (Deb), La Crosse, WI; a daughter-in-law, Margaret Hammell, La Crosse; 35 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one brother, Walter (Betty) Hammell, Caledonia; three sisters: Mary (John) Blake, Waukon, IA, Agnes (Cyril Troendle), Spring Grove, and Margaret (Pat) Blake, Dorchester, IA; and an aunt, Mrs. Dan (Betty) Wall, of Florida.

He is also survived by his wife, Judyís children: Lois (Dave) Homewood, Dyersville, IA, Stan Larson, Lansing, June (Cy) Livingood, Frankville, IA, Dan (Sharon) Larson, Upland Crest, David Larson, Lansing, Shari (Lee) Schiemann, Burlington, WI, Ron Larson, Waukon, and Carl ìTykeî (Shadi) May Jr, Colorado Springs, CO; 13 step-grandchildren; 20 step-great-grandchildren.

Ray was preceded in death by a son, Cornelius in 1973, a daughter, Virginia in 1970, two granddaughters, a step-grandchild, two sons-in-law, Thomas Schwartzhoff and William Erickson, two brothers, John Hammell (and wife Mary), and the other brother died in infancy. Also by three brothers-in-law, John Blake, Cyril Troendle and Patrick Blake.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 16, at The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing with his nephew, Fr. Jerry Blake officiating. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery, Lansing. Friends may call on Thursday, May 15, from 4-8 p.m. at the Thornburg Hanson Funeral Home in Lansing where there will be a Parish Scripture Service at 8 p.m.

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