Jean...I am late to write, but I just happened upon the sad news. Reading the many kind condolences reinforced my good memories of Walt as my 1969--70 roommate at 404 South Linn Street in Iowa City. I am happy to know that you and Walt had a good marriage. Bruce
Bruce Schmeiser
October 24, 2015
Jean, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gary
Gary debner
July 28, 2015
My deepest heartfelt condolence to Jean and family. Walt left us way to soon, but he did a whole lot of good work and left great memories on his way through life. Walt had a lot of friends. He was my good buddy. We were born with in four months of each other and grew up on the same block in Cedar Rapids. We played together as kids. We walked to Jefferson High together and commuted to the U of I by car together. In August of 1970 it was my honor to be best man at his wedding. On my return visits to CR he always had a way of getting together to visit. He kept our gang of friends together. I have many, many memories of growing up with Walt. His passing creates a great, lingering sadness.
Rick Novak
July 22, 2015
Jean, you and your family, and your brother-in-law, have my deepest sympathy
as you mourn the untimely loss of your husband, father, grandfather and brother.
No words can take away your grief, but I hope that the support of friends, and
your many good memories of Walt, will help you get through this very difficult
time. Sorrowful best wishes to all of you as you bear the unbearable.
Sincerely, Karen Taylor
Karen J. Taylor
July 21, 2015
Jean and family,
I was sorry to hear about Walt's passing. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jan and Pete King
July 20, 2015
Jean and family, I am so sorry to read of Walt's passing. I remember him from when I worked with you at Mercy, Jean, and in the years after that at various events. He was always so nice and friendly and easy to talk to. I enjoyed sharing our thoughts on the Hawkeyes. My thoughts and deepest condolences to all of you, may he rest in peace.
Heidi Kanealy
Heidi Kanealy
July 19, 2015
To the family and extended family of students of Walter 'Walt' Hammill,
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this most difficult time of closure. I am shocked to hear that Walt was consumed by cancer. He has always seemed so capable of concurring everything. The day I met Walt, on his wedding day, Aug 15, 1970, I knew he had to be very special to capture the heart of my most outstanding athlete, Keystone's Jean Pohlmann. Then later as a parent, I experienced his personality and ethics as a teacher, when Mashall enjoyed his physical education classes at Springville. Over the years we shared that common thread/bond for the love, concern and development of each child/student to do their very best. And most recently our life's experience with our battles of living and more so with his cancer.
Walt and Jean were very blessed to do and enjoy so many things together. Walt so dearly loved each of you, Jean, Rob and Kim and your families. Then how thrilled he was to have shared that Hawaiian vacation that provided a set of grandchildren, only to be matched soon after that with another set. His life has been cut short, but the many blessings, joys and memories will last a lifetime for all us that experienced Walt in our life!
May God's Grace and Peace be with each of you now and until we all meet again.
Most respectfully, Jurine Borton Moore
Jurine Borton Moore
July 19, 2015
We want to send our sympathies to you Jean and your family. We have nothing but fond memories of Walt. Just remember that all the great memories of him are only a blink away in your mind. Walt lives there forever. Our prayers are sent your way in this sad time.............Maureen and John Kiesel
Maureen and John Kiesel
July 19, 2015
My condolences to Walt's family. My time in Walt's life was limited to our years at Jefferson HS. I only knew him as a young man and that's how I remember him. He was my friend and treated me with respect, dignity, and kindness. I am saddened at his passing and will always remember him as part of my youth in Cedar Rapids.
Paul Black
July 19, 2015
My condolences to the Hammill family. I met Walt many years ago at many of the Physical Education workshops here in Eastern Iowa through the Grant Wood agency. I always admired his wisdom, wit, and dedication to teaching. He had that certain way about him that you could not help but to like and enjoy being around him. Again my sympathy to the Hammill family. Ken Huelman-Vinton
Ken Huelman
July 17, 2015
Jean and family:
Some of my fondest memories from my days teaching at Springville involve Walt. Winter days when I was nervous to drive from my Marion home to Springville, Walt would pick me up and chauffeur me there.! He was a man of integrity and was one of the most kind and caring people I have had the honor of knowing. Please know that I am holding you all close in loving thoughts and prayers.
Rest in eternal peace , Walt.
Terry Gorman
Terry Gorman
July 17, 2015
Mr Hammill was an amazing teacher that I always admire. Every kid was always excited to go to gym and see him. We loved his personality, thoughtfulness, sarcasm and his style of music. Even to this day when I hear a certain songs they remind me of him and gym class. He was a great man and I am sorry for you loss.
Cassi Wilhelm
July 17, 2015
Walt was a wonderful individual who touched many lives throughout his life. My thoughts and prayers are with Jean, Kim and Rob.
Joyce Bilow
July 17, 2015
We are saddened to hear of Mr.Walt Hammill's passing. I am a past student and l am 53 years old. He also taught all three of my adult children. I really enjoyed that man, especially as he taught my children. Anytime l would walk into that school he would tell all the kids, "You know, l taught her when she was a student here too!" The kids couldn't believe that he had taught me that many years ago. Walt always had a soft spot in my heart. He was very caring to all and everyone liked him! It is a sad day!!! God bless his family and our greatest sympathy to you all.
Renee Jamison
July 16, 2015
We are thinking of you and sending prayers your way!
Donna Abernathy
July 16, 2015
Mr. Hammill was easily one of my favorite teachers growing up, and definitely one of the reasons I care about fitness so much. I always looked forward to gym class and his teaching and humor were big reasons why.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing and his battle with cancer. He brought a lot of joy to a lot of students' lives. He will be missed.
Mike Roberts
July 16, 2015
Rob, Jean, Kim and family,
I will always remember Walt having a soft, gentle spirit about him and a great smile. I honestly don't remember him ever NOT smiling, just like the three of you.
I'm traveling for work next week so won't be able to attend the services but know you and your family will be in my thoughts.
~Nancy
Nancy Hatch Wittstruck
July 16, 2015
Prayers for,his family he was by far my favorite gym teacher and enjoyed seeing him at woodys gas station on several occasions you will be missed greatly.
Alissa Keller
July 16, 2015
So sorry for your loss, remember the good times, as they will get you through some of the days ahead. Hugs
MaryAnne White
July 16, 2015
Our condolences to Walts family. I am sorry we are so far away that we are unable to attend his funeral. I have many fond memories of our days working together. Rest in peace!
Richard and Rosemary Tubandt
July 16, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Hammill's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time. I always think of his big smile and how nice here always was to my kids. My first memory of Mr Hammill is when we moved back to the area and the kids started school in Springville. My son, Patrick was in Kindergarten and Mr Hammill was so impressed that Patrick could shoot a freethrow and make it most times. He took Patrick for show and tell to all of the older kids. Most of all, I appreciated his kindness. I will always remember his smile.
Kathie Ray-Grekoff
July 16, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Hammill. The class of 81 may have been one of his first at Springville and we were honored to have him as our 5th grade teacher and basketball coach. Rest in Peace...
Penny Hudson-Avila
July 16, 2015
I have so many fond memories of having Mr. Hammill as a P.E. teacher. He has left a lasting legacy, without question. I regret that I am too far away to pay my respects in person. Deepest condolences, as he touched many lived and will be missed.
Jeanette (Caudill) Jones
July 16, 2015