Hamm, Henry D. (1895-1954)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 13 May 1954 p. 9

Birth date: 1895 Feb 19

text of obituary:

HENRY D. HAMM

Henry D. Hamm, son of David and Catrina [sic Katharina], was born Feb. 19, 1895, at Mt. Lake, Minn. He died April 24, 1954, at the age of 59, in his home at Salem, Oregon.

He graduated from Mt. Lake high school in 1916. He accepted the Lord as his Saviour during his last year in high school and was baptized July 16, 1916, and united with the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren church at that time.

He was called to serve his country in World War I and assigned to the Medical Corps. Shortly after his return from military service he was united in marriage with Susan N. Fast of Mt. Lake, on May 22, 1919. That fall they moved to Chicago, Ill. where he pursued his trade as well as attending Moody Bible Institute. While in Chicago two sons were born into the family.

In 1939 the family moved to Salem where they resided until his death.

Mr. Hamm followed the printing trade throughout his lifetime, beginning while in high school where he was associated with the Mt. Lake Observer. While in Chicago he edited the church conference paper and worked on German language religious publications. During his 17 years in Dallas he worked for the Itemizer-Observer and upon moving to Salem, for the Capital Journal where he continued his trade until his death.

While he achieved a high degree of skill in his trade, his primary interests were centered in his church and family. He was greatly used of the Lord and served Him in various capacities including Sunday school sup’t., choir director, Gospel team activities, and Bible teacher.

In 1952 he was ordained as deacon in this church. To know him was to love him and nothing excited his interests so much as a chance to serve his Master or his fellow man. His life was “given to hospitality." His delight in the wonders of his Master’s creation was expressed in his cultivation of flowers and his profound love of music.

His last night with us was spent enjoying a music concert at the Salem Academy which he described as a “foretaste of heaven.”

He was preceded in death by his brothers, David, Henry, and Abram, sisters Anna and Justina, and one grandchild, Allen Victor.

He leaves to mourn his early departure his beloved wife Susan; children, David, Evelyn and Leroy Hamm; Harold, Grace and Carol Hamm; Harold, Verda and Gordon and Steven Cox; and a host of other relatives and friends.