HUMMEL, Pamela M. (1957-2016)

HUMMEL

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/2/2017 at 23:35:08

Pamela Marie Hummel
(October 13, 1957 - August 13, 2016)

A Funeral Mass for Pamela Marie Hummel, 58, who passed away Saturday, August 13, 2016, will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 19 at the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Indianola. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 20 in the St. Joseph Ellendale Cemetery in Merrill, IA. Pamela Marie (Russell) Hummel was born on October 13,1957 to Robert and Carol (Lade) Russell in Le Mars Iowa, the third of six children raised on the family farm. Pam was a devout Catholic, baptized and confirmed at St Joseph Ellendale. Pam received her education through the Le Mars School District, graduating in 1976. Following high school she entered the nursing program offered by Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City, Iowa. After graduation she worked as a nurse at Brentwood Good Samaritan Home. On April 29, 1978 she was united in marriage to Alan Hummel at St Joseph Ellendale. Once Josh and Ben arrived, Pam became a stay at home mom, and took great pleasure in raising two boys to be great men (not an easy task, as she would state many times). Because of her, the boys learned how to properly fold a t-shirt, the cleaning power of vinegar and baking soda in a well-maintained home, and how to make a batch of Yum-Yum Sauce. She was a wizard at hiding the pickle in the Christmas Tree for the Annual Pickle Prize Competition and making 3-Layer Brownies and Salmon Souffle. Most importantly, though, her strength of character shined brightest when teaching her boys that “please’s and thank-you’s” are not just polite gestures, but expectations, and that chivalry, honesty, and a willingness to help should always be the priority. It seemed that no job was too big for Pam, and that no task was insurmountable. This became most clear during the many years she provided care for Ben, which she did with honor and dignity. Not only did HER boys benefit from her many gifts, but so did entire NEIGHBORHOODS of boys, who were lucky enough to sit at her table, or receive her guidance while she served as a Den Mother for Ben’s Cub Scout pack.
After her boys were grown, Pam went back to work as an optician, most recently at Vogue Vision in Indianola, where she served as office manager for ten years. Over the years, she enjoyed the outdoors, camping, hiking, and bicycling, along with serving on various church committees in the communities which she lived. She was always a most gracious hostess to family and friends and laid out the welcome mat for anyone, anytime. While moving around the Midwest as Alan’s job required, she made lifelong friends in Chicago, Illinois; Windom, Minnesota; and Indianola, Iowa, who will remember her infectious giggle, the endlessness of her generosity, and her unrelenting faith. “A life of service is a life well lived.” Blessed be the spirit of a gracious lady and servant of God. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Alan; son Joshua (Arin) Hummel; daughter-in-law, Bonita Hummel; her mother, Carol Russell; brother, Gary (Diane) Russell; sisters, Deb Frerichs, Dawn (Kirk Swanson) Russell-Miller; three grandchildren, Landon, Jonah, and Clara Hummel; and one granddaughter on the way. She was preceded in death by her sons, Benjamin and Luke Hummel; her father, Robert (Buffalo Bob) Russell; brother, Mark (Little Brother) Russell; and her sister, Kim (Slick Chick) Russell. Visitation will be held 4 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 18 at Overton Funeral Home with a vigil service being held at 7:30 p.m. This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, [http://www.overtonfuneral.com/]