Stewart W. Hammel

Stewart W. Hammel, 81, of Morocco, IN passed away at his home on Saturday, June 8, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born in Kankakee, IL on October 4, 1942, the son of Glenwood and Virginia (Rosenplanter) Hammel.

Stew was a 1960 graduate of Morocco High School where he was a multisport standout athlete. He earned his educational specialist degree and master’s degree from Indiana State University, where he played basketball and was a pole vaulter on the track team.

On March 6, 1965, he married the love of his life, Joyce A. Hoskins.

Stew had a 40-year career as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and athletic director at several schools, including Rossville (IL), Shakamak, Westville (IL), South Central, North Judson, Hobart, Donovan (IL), North Newton, Morocco, and Sheldon (IL). These stops also included 17 years as a varsity basketball coach. He was most proud of his 4 sectional titles, 3 of which were during his North Judson tenure.

During the summers, Stew was a blueberry inspector for the Michigan Blueberry Growers Association. He did this for 35 years. Between education, coaching, and blueberry inspecting, Stew made lifelong friends and enjoyed making countless memories.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Kentland, IN.

His passion was following his grandsons’ high school and collegiate athletic careers. He was an avid sports fan and diehard Chicago Bears, Bulls, and White Sox fan.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce Hammel of Morocco, IN; three children: Tammy (Tim) Burns of Fishers, IN, Todd (Pam) Hammel of Brook, IN, and Tabatha (Jared) Hall of Fowler, IN; six grandchildren: Brendan and Brock Burns, Jarrett and Jay Hammel, Payton and Connor Hall; and sister-in-law Dr. Janice Mallory of Rensselaer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenwood and Virginia Hammel; and his brother Woodrow Hammel.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. CDT at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Kentland, IN. Msgr. Robert Sell officiating.

Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements. Memories, condolences, and photos may be shared with the Hammel family at www.steinkefuneralhome.com. The family is asking if you would like to send a donation, please send it to the American Cancer Society.