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Hammen

James Daniel and Joseph John Hammen

Hammen

James Daniel and Joseph John Hammen

James Daniel and Joseph John Hammen Obituary

James Daniel ''J.D.'', 16 and Joseph John ''Joe'', 11 both of Chicago, IL. J.D. and Joe were killed with their father, Dan and brother, Nicholas in an automobile accident, near Atlantic, IA on January 25, 2004. Survived by mother and step-father, Karen and Paul Einarson, Woodridge, IL; stepmother Wanda Hammen, Chicago; grandparents Penny Rogers, of Omaha, Reynir and Ann Einarson, Downers Grove, IL, Vicky and Delmar Mounts, Plano TX; aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. Services Saturday, January 31, 11 a.m., West Center Chapel, Omaha. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery, Omaha. Memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN. Family will receive friends Friday, January 30, 6 to 8 p.m., West Center Chapel. Memorial service in Chicago to be announced.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Jan. 29, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for James Daniel and Joseph John Hammen

25 Entries

Emily Rogers

February 16, 2004

I am signing this guest book again.

I am the cousin of J.D and Joe, I have a story to tell you all and whether you believe it or not is your choice but it is true! At the Service for J.D and Joe we were all listening to this song and it made all the tears i had held in come out, so here i was bawling when i felt someone touch my face, I was looking all around but no one had touched my face, i know it was one of my cousins, then after i told my sister Jenny she said she had felt someone touch her shoulder. I know what we both got to experience was unbelievable. I am sure though J.D and Joe have been giving signs to others. And I know that we all have guardian angels now, well at least two very special ones! I am very sorry we had to go through this but in a way I am glad because it has brought us all so much closer and has reminded us to tell people we love them.

Chrissy Kost

February 15, 2004

I have signed this guestbook once and im signing it again. I have just attended the memorial at salvation army yesterday. To me, the memorail was a great experience for me. Everyone there was crying and sometimes laughing at the memories they had wil JD and Joey. I was glad to see all the faces there that knew JD and Joey and to see how mch they cared for them by going to the memorial. I remember all the GOOD times we had together with JD. I remember when we were in White Castle and my sister was dancing and i guy walked into the door and she ran into him and JD just bursted out laughing. It was great and when we went to starbux inbetween play rehearsal to waste time. Jd wasnt in the play but he went to support me my ciusn and my sister he was THE greatest peron i have ever meant and i mean it i will never foget him OR joey. Joey was great too. I remember when me him and my cousiin laura made prank phone calls to walkdos dollar maret asking for the same guy everytime. I had so mcuh fun wih them and i love them dearly. I love and meiss all 4 of them. Wanda u r a great person and SATY sttrong! i love u always

Alison Putyrski

February 15, 2004

I'm so sorry to everyone who knew and lost Joe, and J.D. I knew and loved Joe. We went to school normally on January 26, and during science, Mrs. Maebane got called dowt to the office and after a while she came back crying, I asked her if everything was ok and she said 'No'. We were just sitting in our class room after lunch when we saw the 6th and 8th gaders running down the halls crying. Some of the people who I have never and would never expect to cry were bawling. When the social workers came in our room and told us that it was Joey, my heart split in half because the thought of never seeing Joe again in his little black sweat shirt that he was like attached to and his smiling face was just unbearable. Everyday when I came to school, I would look forward to (everyone did) seeing his smiling face and whatever funny thing he had to say to us. The thing that makes me smile is that right now I know that they are all with each other and that Joe is probably right now, making a joke with the angels. At all the Cassell dances, Joe would always come up to every one and cheer them up no matter what 'group' you were in and he was just one of the greatest people I ever knew. I love you Joe. Hand in there Wanda and Family and everyone.

Jaime woodard

February 3, 2004

I knew JD since freshman year, I'm a junior now. I remember him as the crazy kid at the lughthouse cafe. I liked JD for the longest time. He dated one of my friends and they both caem to my sweet 16th party. When him and his girlfriend at the time broke up we started to like eachother and though things didn't work out we talked and JD was such an awesome guy. I talked to his brother joey once or twice and its sad to see him and his younger brother nick also go. I'll never forget JD the way he made me laugh and to his friends and family, may they rest in peace.

Juanita Hammen

February 2, 2004

At this time we can only trust in God's love, wisdom,and mercy.May the good memories of Dan, J.D., Joey, and Nicholas ease the pain of this tremendous loss. I have such fond memories of Dan growing up with my sons (his cousins) and of seeing Dan as a father to his sons.

Love, Aunt Juanita

christopher berg

February 2, 2004

i got to know JD for only a fairly short time that he was with us. i met him through mutual friends, JD was a great friend and as far as im concerned an up-and-comming musican. he and i played in a small group based out of my friends basement and we had big plans for what we wanted to do with our music. loosing him was loosing a fire that lit the band up at times. i will always retain that fire inside. rest in peace JD.

Nikki Gruba

February 1, 2004

JD was a great guy and I will truly miss him. He was my brother's best friend and a good friend of mine. You will always stay in my heart. I remember the first time I met you and your crazy silly ways singing your heart out in our basement. And remember the time you wanted to leave Steven's birthday party to come with me to the clubs but you were too young to party with the big kids. It hurts so much to know that you are gone but please watch over me and my brothers and everyone else. I also want to thank you so much for being a true friend to Steven and getting Kyle on the soccer team. You weren't just a friend to my brothers but you were and always will be a part of my family. I miss you so much and I always will. Love Nikki

Chrissy Kost

February 1, 2004

I am very sorry for your losses, all 4 of them were very great people and they did not deserve what happened. We will NEVER forget them and i no that they will always be in my heart. I remember all the good times i had with JD and some of times with Joey, i loved them soo much i still cannot belive that they are gone. And Nicholas was adorable, he was 2 and he had hopes and dreams for his future along with joey and jd. I am just very happy that Wanda survived i no that she has a hard life to live now but her family needs her. I love and miss all of them!

Lauren Whitlock

February 1, 2004

I met JD through my cousin when she was going out with him and I always had a crush him. After they broke up, we became really close and talked alot. I got to know quite a bit about him and he knew alot about me also. I was able to tell him anything and it meant so much to me for him to be able to listen. I remember being at his house when he and his friends were playing pool. Great memories with that kid. I always had a crush on him and after awhile, I was told that he had a crush on me also. He told my sister that he was going to ask me out, but because of certain complications, he never did. We continued to talk, but we were no longer as close, but I still always considered him a friend and I always thought of him as a potential boyfriend. I saw him the Monday before he left for the funeral and we talked for a little while and agreed to hang out the next weekend. He never made it back, though, and it was a tragedy that I will never forget. I miss him very much, but he will always remain very close to my heart. Little Joey was a very cool kid. He had a personality that rocked my world. He was too young to go, but we all must learn to accept it no matter how hard it may be. Nick was the cutest baby that I ever met and he always made me smile. I wish that he was able to survive this because he should not have gone. He did not deserve this at all. He had no chance to live. I am glad that Wanda was able to survive, though, because she was always an awesome person and I know that all the boys looked up to her and considered her more of a mother tha their own. I hope that I am able to see her again soon because she was alwats good to me. This is a very sad thing to happen, and I am slowly getting over it. It is alot easier to look back upon the past and smile than to look back and cry like I have been for the past week. Memories will always exist of me and this family. Memories mostly of JD, but the others as well. JD was one of my best friends and I talked to him at least once a week. I cannot believe that he is gone because I need him now more than ever. May they all rest in peace and may Wanda live and be strong.

Elayne Weinberg

January 31, 2004

Steve & I are friends of the Gruba family. One summer afternoon we had the pleasure meeting JD. He was on crutches and in the best of spirits. This young man, full of life, a smile that brightened up the room. My boyfriend and JD talked about the bass and exchanged a few ideas and opinions about music. There is a bight star in the heavens, many people miss you.

Ashley Schulz

January 31, 2004

January 31, 2004

For the past 3 years I have known Joey and he was always smiling and he was always the person who you can talk to and he would totaly understand you and cheer you up! I wish you the best of luck and please watch over us in heaven. I didnt know JD very well but from what i hear he is the kindest person anyone could know and he will be missed dearly! Little Nick has not yet began to live his life but he will continue to grow and be just like his brothers in our hearts! Rest In Peace all of you! In memory of Mr.H JD Joey and little baby Nick. We will always remember how you were there for us. Thank you.

Sara Koperdak-Meekins

January 31, 2004

I went to school with JD at Morgan Park. I always saw him smiling and having a great time with his friends. Over the summer we were both working at the school for two different camps, that's where I met Joey. All three of us just started talking a lot more about everything and having a great time. Joey would always run up to me and say hi after i got out of working in the pool. I hope they both know how much they are missed by everyone.

Liz Gruba

January 31, 2004

There are no words that can express my deepest sorrow for the loss of a GREAT HUMAN BEING. JD was like a son to me and my family and especially a best friend to my son, Steven. The first time I met him was when my sons (Steven & Kyle) were jamming in the basement. I went down to check on them and was introduced to JD. He had the biggest smile and was every polite. Ever since then he called me mom and my husband dad. There was not a mean bone in his body. He was always happy, laughing and full of life. The last time I saw and spoke to him was on Thursday. I came home early and found him waiting to be picked up. His family was leaving for his grandmother's funeral in Nebreska. We spoke about different things. He couldn't wait to get back and start the short film project that he and Steven were working on. JD you will be missed dearly by me and my family.

Meghan Whitlock

January 30, 2004

i feel so terrible that the world lost two wonderful men, Joey and JD. Nick would have grown up to be a wonderful man too he was just like his two loving, caring brothers. JD was a great person to be around and a great boyfriend. He always had fun and cared about everyone. He has taught me alot. I will miss seeing Joey on Thursdays and him making me stop my car and give me a hug and a kiss on the check. Joey would always IM me and talk to me and call me a sweetheart. Thanks to JD for letting me win pool that one time. Its hard to know that two of the most caring people in the world are gone and that the sweetheart Nick his gone too. Thank to Mr. hammen for creating 3 young boys that the neighborhood loved. Lastly, to wanda thanks for always talking to me during those okward silent moments and for always making me feel comfortable in your House. Oh yeah, and JD thanks for being there for me during my play because you really made it easy for me not to forget my lines. Forever i will now get the cocnut drink from Starbucks. Also JD thanks for taking me on my first date.

Lindsey Lipp

January 30, 2004

I knew JD and joey. I went to school with JD. Jd was a funny kid he knew what to say when you are down and was a great helper. He was also a person to talk to with troubles. Joey was a sweet kid he knew what to do to turn your frown back to a smile. Jd and joey will be miss dearly.

Stephanie Chalmers

January 29, 2004

Joey I love u so much every time I think of u and me I cry cuz of all of the good time we had.I wish I could see ur sweet face again.I miss seeing u and ur black coat u loved that black coat.I can't belive u are gone u were so sweet.WE all loved u and we sill do.Stay for ever young.love u always

Debbie Chalmers

January 29, 2004

Dear God;

You have taken to of the BEST boys I have ever known. Joey was my Stephanie's Best Friend at Cassell and J.D. was a Great Friend to both my Girls Nicole and Brittney. Joey had a smile that lit up a room and the biggest Heart. I can still see him standing just inside my front door with that long Black Coat of his. J. D. was the most politest young man I've ever met. Their parents can be PROUD of both these Boys. As a Mt Greenwood Colt parent I know we will all miss Joey Next season so Joey watch over the Colts!Lord, you have two very special Angels along with their little brother Nicholas and their Dad. Please watch over Mrs. Hammen while she is in the hospital and keep her pain less cause the lose of her family will be EXTREMELY Unbearable, I'm sure. Lord, Please tell Joey to watch over Stephanie and have J.D. keep an eye out for Nikki and Brittney. Joey and J.D. you were LOVED by myself and my Girls and you both will be sorely MISSED! Rest in Peace both of you!

All my Love;

Debbie Chalmers

Co-Chair Cassell LSC and Parent

Lisa Bartasius

January 29, 2004

jd was such a great kid. he always made us laugh and never kept a frown on his face. he truly will be missed around morgan park.

Melissa Soto

January 29, 2004

I am terribly sorry about your loss and I send out my deepest sympathys. I knew Joey very well. He was the cutest kid and he always brought a smile to the faces of everyone who was with him. Everytime I saw him he would give me the biggest hug. We all loved him very much and he will be deeply missed.

Mary Kate Epley

January 29, 2004

JD was a really good friend of mine. He was always happy and laughing, and he made everything fun. There are so many awesome memories and he was good at everything he did. We will all miss him alot. Joe was a great kid too. He was always really nice and entertaining. They have lots of people that love them and were both just great.

Laura Whitlock

January 29, 2004

I am so sorry for your losses and I can only imagine what you are going through. I knew Joey better than J.D. but I knew them both. I always will remember Joey as a fun loving lady's man. Joey was one of my good friends and I walked home with the little cutie almost every day last year. Cassell has had a tribute table made to Joey and if you want pictures of it or any thing I would be more that happy to send them to you. I will never for get the family especially Joey. With love and my deepest sympathies,~Laura p.s. my e-mail is [email protected] notify me if u do want the pictures of the table.

Laura Whitlock

January 29, 2004

Amy Schultz

January 29, 2004

I was a student at JD and Joeys elementry school{Cassell} and also had the chance to follow JD to high school at Morgen park.JD as the kind of person that would cheer you up when your day wasn't the greatest.He would also give great advice on life aspects.He was well respected on his determination In sports and acdemicly also.Any one that knew him can also state that he was a great friend and will be missed by many.But nothing can take away the memories that JD placed deep in our hearts!I love you JD! R.I.P!

Wendy Simmons

January 29, 2004

I am very sorry for your losses. I was on my way back to Sioux City from a training I went to in Des Moines when I was able to assist in this tragic event. Plese feel free to contact me, I would love to talk with you. Once again, I am very sorry you have all had to go through this.

Emily Rogers

January 29, 2004

J.D and Joey were my cousins, they were fun, I remember just last christmas, we had this huge snow ball fight it so much fun. J.D was in a band but I never got to hear play, but I hear it was pretty good. Now Joey, well he was the humours kind, and the adventourous too. They both were great people, and were super cousins!!

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