John Patrick Hamilton, 53, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, at St. Marys Hospital, Rochester, following a massive heart attack on Oct. 29, 2012.

Pat was born on April 26, 1959, in LeMars, Iowa. In 1963, his family moved to Albert Lea where Pat enjoyed his youth on the north side. He graduated in 1977 from Albert Lea High School and then from Iowa State University. He was presently employed at Alamco Wood Products.

Pat held a long time interest in politics and was an avid sports enthusiast. He was generous with his outdoor grilling and garden tomatoes and kept the birds well fed. He enjoyed collecting antique trinkets and games, drives in the southern Iowa countryside, and fun banter with friends of all ages. Most of all, he loved his family, his dear friends, and his two feline companions Dip and Ernie.

He is survived by his mother Sandra Hamilton, of Albert Lea, his brother David Hamilton and his wife Ardelle of Garland, Texas, his sister Susan Hamilton and Howard Hirsch of Mendota Heights, niece Erica and nephew David Perry of Garland, Texas, and nephew Chase of Dallas, Texas; uncles: Lee Hochstein and his wife Pat of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Alan Hochstein and his wife RoseMary of Sachse, Texas, Jim Hamilton and his wife Donna of Bella Vista, Ariz., aunt Wilma Johnson of Rossville, Ill., and numerous cousins and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his father John R. “Dick” Hamilton in 2010, his special friend Lori (Yokiel) Brua, his grandparents John M. and Greta Hamilton and Vern and Sue Hochstein.

In honor of Pat’s wishes, the immediate family shared a private prayer service for Pat. An informal gathering in memory of him will be held at a later date.

We will all miss Pat’s great smile and laugh.