John Hamilton, 70, of Oelwein passed away on Monday June 3, 2019 at MercyOne Hospital in Oelwein.  A celebration of John’s life will be held at the American Legion in Oelwein on Friday June 7, 2019, beginning with a social hour from 3-4 PM and memorial services will begin at 4:00 PM.  Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post 9 Honor Guard.  Memorials may be directed to the family or The American Cancer Society, Hope House of Iowa City and the Wounded Warrior Project.

John Edward Hamilton was born in Oelwein on November 14, 1948 to parents Dale and Eleanor (Leyendecker) Hamilton.  He graduated from Oelwein High School with the class of 1967.  John served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Viet Nam War where he earned the distinguished Bronze Star Medal for his valor.  John was employed with Donaldson Company in Oelwein, retiring after 35 years.  He then was employed at Rockwell Automation in Sumner for 12 years.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 9 of Oelwein.  John gave as generously in death, as he did in life, by donating through the Iowa Donor Network.

Left to celebrate John’s life is his companion of 20 years, Kathy Wetherbee of Oelwein; his children: Jacob Hamilton of Hudson, Lucas Hamilton of Cedar Rapids and Josie Morgan of Salina, KS; his grandchildren: Grace Morgan, Brynn Morgan and Jessie Wolinsky; his siblings: Billie (John) Mrzlak of Waterloo, Jim (Patty) Hamilton of Wichita, KS, Jerry (Barb) Hamilton of Marshalltown, Tom (Connie) Hamilton of Littleton, Mike (Carol) Hamilton of Oelwein, Robert (Deb) Hamilton of Hazleton and Susie (Jeff) Huntley of Denver; his many nieces and nephews; his step-children: Mandy (Jamie) Logan of Oelwein and Christopher Fox of Oelwein; his step-grandchildren: Madison (Josh), MaKayla, Drake and Dayton Logan.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Barb West; and siblings Gayle Marie, Mary and Earl in infancy.