Susan Hamell

Susan was born on April 29, 1943, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Dodge. She lived in the area until age ten, when her family moved to Illinois. She graduated from Crystal Lake High School and later from St. Anthony’s School of Nursing in Rockford, earning her RN in 1963.

In 1964, Susan returned to Fort Dodge, where she worked as a nurse and married John Hamell. They made their home in Fort Dodge and later on a small acreage near Farnhamville, raising five children. Susan moved back to Fort Dodge in 1991 and continued her nursing career at NCARF, Webster Health Care, and Trinity Hospital.

Guided by a deep calling to serve those most in need, Susan spent a year in Baltimore with the Sisters of Mercy in 1998. She later relocated to Fort Worth and joined MHMR of Tarrant County, where she worked until her retirement in 2010. She moved to Carrollton in 2020.

Susan was a supportive friend and mother, known for her caring heart, listening ear, and ability to make others feel welcome. She had a remarkable talent for sending birthday cards that arrived exactly on time. She loved playing cards and games with family, friends, and neighbors, and she cherished the fellowship of her church small group. Her greatest joy was cheering on her grandchildren–whether from the stands or from afar–and she never missed a chance to hear all about their lives. A devoted sports fan, she may have missed her calling as a scout, offering pro bono insight to the coaching staff of one of her favorite colleges.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill Eikenberry, formerly of Fort Dodge, and Lorraine (Kepler) Eikenberry, formerly of Eagle Grove, IA, as well as her brother, Bob Eikenberry of Oklahoma.

She is survived by her children and their families: Pat Hamell of Kansas City, MO; Mary (Jeff) Amundsen and daughter Isabella of Park City, UT; Pete (Stephanie) Hamell and their sons Connor (Dallas), Daniel (Sarah), and Andrew Hamell of Johnston, IA; Anne (Sean) Bosier and their children Rachel (Tyler) Britt, Olyvia, Joseph, and Isaac Bosier of Garner, NC; and Liz (Joey) Ramos and their daughter Allie (Tanner) Dodd of Wylie, TX. She is also survived by her siblings: Bill Eikenberry of Springfield, IL; Dennis (Liisa) Eikenberry of Park City, UT; Gina (Terry) Wray of Myrtle Beach, SC; and Joni Graham of Hickory, NC.

After a lifetime of bringing joy to others, we rest easy knowing she is with Jesus, living in eternal joy.

Visitation will be held at Gunderson Funeral Home on Friday, July 10, beginning with a Rosary Service at 4:45 p.m. and visitation from 5:00-8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, followed by burial at Corpus Christi Cemetery in Fort Dodge.