Elijah Hummel

Elijah Wayne Hummel was born on August 13, 2003, in Grinnell, Iowa to Jeremey and Melissa Hummel. Elijah was raised in Altoona, Iowa, where his family still resides. He attended Iowa Christian Academy and Des Moines Christian School, where he graduated in 2021. On November 8, 2024, Elijah passed away in Groton, Connecticut from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was 21 years old.

As a child, Elijah was rarely without a smile. He loved being outdoors, playing most any sport, and especially loved fishing. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and had a best friend in his younger brother, Jonah. The two were inseparable, and had more adventures together than can be told. Elijah was blessed to have both sets of grandparents in his life, and spent time with them often. He loved being on Lake Panorama. In fact, during his last visit in September, while visiting the lake, he told his mom, “this is my happy place”.

After graduating from Des Moines Christian School, Elijah enlisted in the United States Navy. Upon completing boot camp, he attended Navy Nuclear Power School in Charleston, SC, and became a certified Navy diver. Elijah was currently stationed at the Naval Submarine Base in New London, Connecticut as a MMN2, or Machinist’s Mate Nuclear Second Class, where he was responsible for the operation, maintenance, and administration of naval nuclear propulsion plants and their associated equipment. MMN2 Petty Officer Second Class Elijah Hummel was assigned to the USS Idaho SSN 799.

Elijah was raised in the Christian faith and demonstrated his love for God not only in attending church, but in how he treated people and cared for them. He will be remembered for his kind heart and loving personality, always willing to lend a hand and protect those he loved. Although his time here with us was short, we do not mourn without hope. We know we will see Him again in Heaven, most likely fishing in the river of life.

Elijah is survived by his parents, Jeremey and Melissa Hummel (Russell) of Altoona, brother Jonah Hummel of Ankeny, Cousins Hunter Norris of Spirit Lake, ID, Onna Norris of Shawnee Mission, KS, Jaydon Hummel and Lexi Hummel of Monroe, IA, Uncle and Aunt Chad and Jo Hummel of Monroe, IA, Uncle and Aunt Aaron and Angela Baldwin of Leawood, KS , Uncle Ron Norris of Spirit Lake, ID, Grandparents Wayne and Deb Russell of Panora, IA, Leonard and Brenda Hummel of Des Moines, IA. He is also survived by countless friends, neighbors and submariners who meant the world to him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Veterans at Rathbun in honor of Elijah’s love of fishing and the outdoors.

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