Bruce Arvin Hamlett

Bruce Arvin Hamlett, 95, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at his residence. Bruce was born on May 16, 1925, in Lamont, the son of Everett and Lela (Galer) Hamlett. He was raised on the family farm and attended a country school outside of Edgewood.  Bruce was a 1944 graduate of Edgewood High School. After his graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army Air Force and served honorably during WW II. His basic training was at Shepard Field, Texas, and then he was sent to Fort McPherson to be schooled as a 120 veterinarian and meat inspector.

On October 10, 1947, Bruce was united in marriage to Bernadine Heddinger. Bruce then attended barber college and worked as a barber for three years in Edgewood. He farmed for nine years and then owned a farm service delivery truck for ten years. After various other jobs, Bruce returned to barbering for 19 years in Strawberry Point and also drove a school bus.

Bruce retired in 1992, and after moving into the Strawberry Point Retirement Homes, he and Bernadine enjoyed spending six winters in Pharr, Texas. They also spent many summers camping at Spook Cave.

Bruce was a proud member of the American Legion since 1945. He liked to think of himself as an inventor and was always rigging up some contraption to solve a problem. Bruce liked to hunt mushrooms, help out at the farm, and be with his family. Most of all, Bruce enjoyed fishing, especially with his grandchildren.  If you would like to honor Bruce, please take a child fishing.

Survivors left to cherish his memory are his wife of nearly 73 years, Bernadine Hamlett of Strawberry Point; his four children, Larry (Linda) Hamlett of Cedar Rapids, Kathy (Mike) Simon of Verona, Wisconsin, Cheryl (Don) Holtz of Manchester, and Darla (David) Kelly of Waterloo; a special former daughter-in-law, Theresa Hamlett of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 step great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Kay Heddinger of Marion.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Rita and Beverly; and one brother-in-law, Harold Heddinger.

Because of COVID-19 concerns, masks are required at the church.

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