Mark Hammond
January 10, 2011
Mark Hammond, 46, was reunited with his father and the Lord January 10, 2011. A memorial service will be held 4 p.m. Saturday, January 15, 2011 at Westview Church, 1155 SE Boone Dr. in Waukee. A Celebration of Life will follow at Wakonda Club, 3915 Fleur Dr., Des Moines, Iowa 50321.
Mark entered this world on July 1, 1964 in Clinton, IA to Donald and Wanda Hammond. He came of age in Miles, IA, where he graduated from East Central High School, and excelled in baseball. Mark then continued his educational pursuits at UNI, where he earned his Journalism degree as well as many of life's social skills.
Mark chose Des Moines as his home where he was branch manager at Robert Half International. He loved music and playing guitar; boating at Lake Panorama, landscaping the beautiful home he and Cassey built. He loved basketball, clothing, reading, writing, and acting. Mark was very caring, passionate, and a loyal friend. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Mark is survived by his beloved and best friend, Cassey Sanger; his mother, Wanda Hammond; siblings, Michael (Susan) Hammond, Rory (Cathy Sorensen) Hammond, Roxanne (Craig) Gustaveson and Robin (Jim) Kroymann; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Also surviving are Cassey's parents, Connie and Dave Sanger; her siblings, Angela (Guido) Rossi, Sean (Stephanie) Sanger, Kell (Mike) Vos, Rebecca Sanger, Brian Sanger; and nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his third family, a cast of characters and friends. He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mark Hammond Memorial at Bank of the West, 2199 NW 159th St., Clive, IA 50325.
Online condolences may be made to the Sanger and Hammond families at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Jim Sievers
01/14/2011
To the entire Hammond family - I am so sorry to hear about Mark's untimely departure from this life. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Mark was a year behind me in school, but we played basketball and baseball together in high school. I haven't seen Mark in many years, but I still have fond memories of those high school days. I was a catcher sometimes when Mark pitched. He was one of our best pitchers. I also remember Mark as being the best jump roper around because our basketball coach made us jump rope all the time. Mark was a kind soul and a great teammate and friend. I'm thankful I had the opportunity to know him and play ball with him. May God bless all of you.
eric johnson
01/14/2011
Good memories... Skiing in Colorado, Boating at Panora, Hoops at Stillwell, Drinks at Charlie's...
Great friend. Ham.
Dawn McCallum
01/14/2011
Oh the lessons learned from Hammond.....Too many stories to tell online, but suffice to say that Mark will forever live in my heart & mind and in some of the best memories I have of my 20's and 30's. He was a true friend and by far the "coolest" guy I've ever known. I'll always remember Mark behind the wheel of his boat, wind in his hair saying "this is the life my friend". I'm thankful for the times I had with Mark. He had an old soul, a kind heart, a wicked humor and a true devotion to friends. Word to the Byrd....love you Hammalamadingdong. Watch over us Mark.....we love you! God Bless
Wayne & Shirley Daniels
01/14/2011
Our sympathy goes out to your family at this time. We have a shared experience in losing a son and brother and we know how painful the journey is. It was especially heartwarming to see the obituary and the reference to him joining his father. Our faith in Christ tells us we will all be together again and that life here is brief in relation to eternity in that beautiful place, Heaven. It is also good to remember the fond memories of your family and our family growing up together in this nice little quiet town and being school mates and friends. May God be with you and we send our love and condolences. Shirley & Wayne
Leann Donovan
01/14/2011
I met Mark at UNI and I knew right away he was someone very special that I would always hold dear to my heart. He became a "forever friend" and for that I am eternally grateful. I will miss you terribly Ham, but it's comforting to know that I have tons of wonderful memories to keep you close to me. Peace and love to you.
Tom Hentges
01/14/2011
It's been a long time since I last seen Mark, but I'll will always remember the great times we had. My deepest sympathy goes out to the Hammond family. Rest in peace Ham.
Tom Hentges
Garry,Marijane & CeCe Hammond
01/14/2011
Aunt Wanda, Michael, Rory, RoxAnne & Robin,
We are very sorry to hear of Mark's passing, you have our deepest sympathy.
I regret that I barely knew Mark, our age differences & life journeys seemed to prevent that. I do know that he had to be an exceptional person, he had you & Uncle Don as parents, he couldn't go wrong. I'm guessing he had the slightly off center & sardonic Hammond sense of humor, I sure Mike & Rory tutored him in that area & that his sisters babied him, Mark was very lucy to have all of you. Again you have our love & sympathy.
Garry, Marijane & CeCe
Natalie (Reinemund) Peck
01/14/2011
Life is a gift -- and Mark had a way of living it to its fullest even in middle and high school. A person could get past his great looks, only to be mesmerized by his singing voice and wit. I loved hearing what Mark was up to while we lived parallel lives at UNI. (I even married one of his intramural basketball buddies.) 46 is too young -- and the load of your sorrow must be incredible. My most sincere prayers for all of God's sweet comfort in your loss.
Tim Johnson
01/14/2011
Wow.. Where to start? I was shocked to hear of Mark's passing and my sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends. It sounds as though he has continued to influence everyone around him for many years. Mark & I haven't crossed paths for a while now, but we spent much of the first 20 years of our lives together being neighbors and close friends. The good Lord must have a better plan for Mark to take him from us so soon. Mark was a great person & friend in which I have many memories with. It saddens me greatly that we won't be to relive them in a future meeting or class reunion. Mark, may you rest in peace.
Tim Johnson
Beth (Jepsen) Costigan
01/14/2011
I was so lucky to have known Mark since kindergarten. We had so many fun times together throughout high school and at UNI. He will be missed! My sincere sympathy to all of his family.
Laurie Daniels Wildes
01/14/2011
Wanda and family,
I remember Mark as a little boy and he was so cute and full of life. I know what it's like losing a brother. He will be missed every day of your life but will always be in your heart and memories. Your faith will get you through this. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Laurie
Jill (Papke) Christman
01/14/2011
It's been many years since we have crossed paths. You were a truly talented person loved by so many. I am lucky to have known you. Rest in peace my friend!
Love, Jill
Jeff Keister
01/13/2011
Robin & Family
We were sorry to hear of Mark's passing. We know how hard he fought the last few months after our conversations with you. He now is in a better place. He is finally at peace and in the comfort of the Lord our Father. We will keep you and all your family in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Jeff & Rhonda
Dan, Renee Natalee & Nathan Herrig
01/13/2011
To The Hammond Family,
It is with a very heavy heart that we send our sympathy to the families. It is very fresh in our minds what it is like to lose a loved one. Each and every day we ask God to help us move on knowing the our loved one is watching over us. Wanda you have our sincere sympathy as you have suffered the greatest loss possible - the loss of a child. Robin and Jim we already know how important family is to you so please if you need any support remember that is what friends are for. To the rest of the family please take solace in the thought that the suffering is now over and Mark is at peace
Diane Johnson
01/13/2011
It is with shock and great sadness that I learn of Mark's passing. Walking past your old house in Miles just last week, I thought of you all and wondered how and where you all were, and had memories of growing up together. As I read the comments by those who knew Mark today, it sounds as though he remained the same fun-loving guy I remember in school. My very deepest sympathy goes out to you all at such a difficult time.