Robert L Hammond

Robert L Hammond Jr., age 76, of Spirit Lake, IA, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Keelson Harbour following a long battle with lung disease. 

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Spirit Lake. The visit will be held on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Patton Funeral Home in Blue Earth, MN. Entombment of his cremains will take place in the St. Alban’s Columbarium in Spirit Lake. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake, IA. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com Memorials may be given to the Blue Earth Community Foundation, PO Box 390, Blue Earth, Minnesota 56013.

 Robert L Hammond Jr. was born on March 12, 1949, at Holy Family Hospital in Estherville, Iowa, to Robert L Hammond and Helene (Haven) Hammond. He graduated from Estherville High School in 1967, received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Iowa in 1971, and a J.D. degree with honors from Drake University in 1974. 

He practiced law for twelve years in Blue Earth, Minnesota, and later worked for Neil Eckles and BEVCOMM for 25 years. He dedicated his time and expertise to several boards of directors, including the Estherville Area Chamber of Commerce (Chairman), Riverside Town and Country Club, the United Fund board, the swimming pool group, and as a mentor for Blue Earth Area Mentors. He also served on the United Hospital District board for 10 years, the Corn Plus board beginning in 2003 (secretary-treasurer from 2003 to 2009), as the director on Hector Communications, the Blue Earth Industrial Service Corporation (BEISCO) board, the Chain of Lakes Treatment Center board in Fairmont, Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association (Director), Minnesota Telecom Alliance Legislative Committee, and Region Nine Development Commission. Rob served on the Blue Earth Community Service Board (Chairman) for seven years. 

Rob also served on the Midwest Wireless board from 1996 to 2006. Rob felt a great sense of pride in his involvement in bringing wireless services to rural America and being one of the first 12 people to establish the Rural Cellular Association. Finally, Rob served as Mayor of Blue Earth for 14 years. 

For over 30 years, Rob enjoyed sailing in the British Virgin Islands, often staying on the island of Jost Van Dyke. He cherished the friendships he made during those years and was grateful for the kindness of the people of the Virgin Islands. Rob had a deep love for golf and would like to thank all the golfers with whom he had the pleasure of playing. He also enjoyed vacationing with his family, boating, and fishing with his friends. Rob was fortunate to have many dear friends and cousins with whom he shared close bonds.

 He was a proud "AWFULGUY" and a devoted Hawkeye fan from birth until his passing. His fellow "AWFULGUYS" were his best friends forever.

 Rob is survived by his mother, Helene, and his sister, Jane (Gary) Kipling. He was blessed with three nieces: Sarah (Bill) Lightner, Emily (Garner) Agone, and Abby (Chris) Coghill, as well as six great-nephews and nieces. Rob was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lee Hammond.