Charles B. Hammen

Charles Bernard Hammen, 87, of Mason City, went to his heavenly home Saturday, June 21, 2025, after a short illness at the Good Shepherd Health Center. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Epiphany Parish St. Joseph Catholic Church, 302 5th St SE. A visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N Pennsylvania Ave. Inurnment will be held in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to Epiphany Parish or the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256.

To watch Chuck's service click here: Chuck's service

Chuck was born February 3, 1938, in Manitowoc, WI, and grew up in Ottumwa, IA, where he met his great love Donna, whom he married on December 3, 1960.

Chuck served in the US Army for 3 years; 30 months of that time in southern Germany. He enjoyed traveling in Europe during his assignment there, he and Donna returned there on vacation twice. During his service he received the 10th Infantry Division Artillery of the Month award and the 10t Infantry Division Soldier of the Month award, he was honorably discharged as a SP3. His name now appears on the Veteran's Monument in Central Park along-side his sons who also served in the US Army. Upon returning from military service, Chuck attended and graduated from AIB Business College in Des Moines, IA. After moving to Cedar Rapids, IA, he continued his studies in computer programming and accounting at Kirkwood Community College. He later taught computer programming part time at ECPI in Cedar Rapids.

Chuck and his family moved to Mason City in 1970 where he was hired as the Finance Director of the City of Mason City (his co-workers fondly called him Charlie). He retired as City Administrator in November 1999 after nearly 30 years of service to the city. During that time he served on the lowa Municipal Finance Officers Association Board of Directors and was Association president in 1980. He also served on the State of lowa City Finance Committee from May 1982 through April 1985. For many consecutive years he received the national award in Mason City for excellence in financial reporting. He also established the first IBM accounting system and was instrumental in the development of the bike trail between Mason City and Clear Lake and the trail connecting east Mason City neighborhoods to NIACC. The City Transit System was one of his greatest personal achievements along with others who made it possible. He was devoted to his city and determined to see that it stay fiscally sound.

In Mason City he was active in various organizations including the YMCA where he served on the Board of Directors and was board president in 1992. He received the YMCA Volunteer of the Year award in 1994, and filled a United Way post in 1975.

Chuck enjoyed spending time with his family and close friends. His hobbies consisted of jogging, biking, mountain and canyon hiking, golfing and reading newspapers, going to concerts and working Sudoku puzzles. Occasionally he would participate in organized runs, duathlon or triathlons. He also found time to volunteer at the Community Kitchen and deliver Meals on Wheels as well as fill in at the Hawkeye Food Bank.

After retiring Chuck and Donna spent their winter months at The Wells at Red Mountain Resort in Mesa, AZ, which they enjoyed very much. He served on the finance committee there for 17 years and helped out with countless community projects. Every winter he and Donna rang the bell at Christmas time for the Salvation Army.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Donna; sisters Bette (Dickey) and Sarah (Brender); children John (Julie) Hammen Sr., David (Teresa) Hammen and Susan Sullivan; his grandchildren JoElla Larsen, John Hammen, Jr., and Angie Bacalso and his most beloved Great Grandchildren Charlie jane, Hyde, Hayze and Jaeura.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Henry (Hank) and Margaret (Peg) Hammen and a sister Peggy (Poling).