Christopher David Hamlin

1967 - 2012

Christopher David Hamlin

Des Moines

Christopher David Hamlin passed of apparent heart failure and went to be with the Lord on Friday June 15, 2012 at the age of 44. He was the most loving father to Jonathan and Justin Hamlin of North Liberty, son to Larry and Jody Hamlin of Urbandale, big brother and uncle to Robert and Megan Hamlin of Urbandale, and devoted boyfriend to Sarah (Townsend) Ward of Chicago. Christopher was also friend, colleague, and loved one to many, many more.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday at McLaren's Chapel with private interment at Resthaven Mausoleum. Visitation with the family will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at McLaren's.

Born and raised in Urbandale, Christopher graduated from Urbandale High School in 1986 and went on to the University of Iowa, where he graduated in 1991. As far back as 3rd grade, Chris developed a fondness for German culture and was fortunate to have had the opportunity to study abroad in Germany and Austria in both High School and College. After graduating from the U of I, Christopher went to work for Wal Mart, during which he spent two years working for the company as Store Manager in Hanover, Germany. Christopher made friends with many during his time spent abroad and remained close to them over the years, speaking fluent German and communicating with them in German via social media.

Christopher had many other passions as well, including his love of sport. Over the past several years Christopher watched his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers win multiple Super Bowls, his beloved Boston Red Sox win the World Series, and his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide win the collegiate football National Championship. Roll Tide! Although Christopher was an Alabama football fan since his young days, he was a die-hard Iowa Hawkeye fan first and foremost.

In the past few years, Christopher spent time working around his house, a place he was very proud to call home. He spent time painting, reconstructing, landscaping and ensuring his lawn was the thickest and greenest lawn in the neighborhood. Christopher looked forward to the weekends when he could spend an entire day smoking brisket out on his deck. He loved experimenting with new rubs and smoking techniques until he finally perfected the art. All that had the privilege of sharing his masterpiece loved his smoked brisket.

Christopher's greatest passion was his two sons, Jonathan and Justin. He was extremely proud of both of them and their accomplishments, as is their mother, Judi Koberg of North Liberty. Christopher loved traveling around Europe with his two young boys and teaching them about German culture. He also enjoyed playing catch with them, watching them play baseball games, golfing with them, attending their various activities, and being the best father to them. There was nothing more important to Christopher than his two sons; they were his number one priority in life.

Chris spent the past three years working with his brother Robert at W.W. Grainger, Inc. as an Account Manager. He was immediately successful in his role, having achieved his annual sales goals each year, and developed many friendships with both colleagues and customers. His work ethic was second to none and he was very proud of his professional accomplishments.

Christopher David Hamlin had a heart of (black and) gold. His kindness, generosity, selflessness, and passion for life will be especially missed by his family, but by all that knew him as a friend, colleague, and neighbor as well. Christopher's charm, sense of humor, and incredibly infectious smile made him the great man known and loved by all.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Iowa City West High School Choral Program (2801 Melrose, Iowa City, IA 52246) or the University of Iowa Army R.O.T.C. (112 South Quad, Iowa City, IA 52242.

We love you and miss you Christopher!

(Wir lieben dich und vermissen dich Christopher!)