Surrounded by family, John R. “Dick” Hamilton, 79, passed away Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea.
The immediate family is having a private service with a memorial service for family and friends to be announced at a later date, with future interment to take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
John Richard Hamilton was born in Bagley, Iowa, on May 31, 1930, to John Monroe “Jack” Hamilton and Greta (Zeller) Hamilton. His family later moved to Corning, Iowa, where Dick attended and graduated from Corning High School. He spent four years serving in the United States Air Force. Dick then received his bachelor of science degree in business from Northwest Missouri State College where he met his future wife of 51 years, Sandra Hochstein. There were united in marriage on May 31, 1958, in Osceola, Iowa. In 1963, they moved to Albert Lea where they raised their three children. Dick worked as a safety inspector for many years with Farmers Elevator Mutual Insurance Co. before venturing into self-employment.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church and American Legion and numerous other organizations. Dick had a long-time interest in aviation and obtained his pilot’s license in his forties. With a gentle humor and fun loving spirit, he took delight in the simple things in life. In addition to traveling and flying, a few of his many interests included reading (especially westerns), blue grass and ragtime music, mall walks with pals, and playing cards and pool. Most of all he enjoyed time spent with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Sandra; children: Patrick Hamilton of Albert Lea, David (Ardelle) Hamilton of Garland, Texas, Susan (Howard Hirsch) Hamilton of Mendota Heights; grandchildren: Chase Hamilton of Coppel, Texas, Erica and David Perry of Garland, Texas; sister, Wilma (Bob) Johnson of Rossville, Ill.; brother, Jim (Donna) Hamilton of Bella Vista, Ark.; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Craig; in-laws: Vern and Sue Hochstein; and brother-in-law, Dan Hochstein.
He was beloved by his family and will be greatly missed.