Larry L. Hammerlund

Larry L. Hammerlund, 81, of Galesburg, died at 3:40 a.m. Saturday, December 25, 2021 at Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville, IL.  Larry was born February 3, 1940 in Galesburg, the son of Rolland and Marian (Anderson) Hammerlund.  He married Cosetta L. Johnson on April 8, 1961 in the Evangelical United Bretheran Church in Galesburg.  She survives.  Larry is also survived by one son, James (Regina) Hammerlund of Harriman,TN; two daughters, Julie (Kevin) Stone of Galesburg and Tina (John) McLeese of Maquon, IL; eight grandchildren, Andrew Rench, Tony Rench, Justin (Samantha) McLeese, Chelsea (Cory) Bitner, Travis McLeese, James (Ashley) Clark, Aaron (Krissly) Stricklan, and Kyle (Mary Katherine) Stone; and twelve great grandchildren.  Larry was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Gary.  Larry graduated from ALWOOD High School in 1958, where he played football as an all state center and was inducted to the IHSA Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the National Honor Society.   Larry was an US Air Force Veteran serving from 1959 to 1963.  He attained the rank of Sergeant and received an Air Force Commendation Award from the 52nd Fighter Group.  Larry entered an electrical apprenticeship with Local 184 IBEW in Galesburg in 1964, receiving his Journeyman Wireman's Card in 1968.  He served many years as an apprentice instructor and on the apprenticeship committee.  He retired in 2001 from Local 34 IBEW in Peoria.    Larry volunteered for many years as a Boy Scout Leader while his son Jim was active in the scouting program.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Galesburg where he served as a deacon for seven years.  Larry was a member of Alpha Masonic Lodge #155 in Galesburg.  He was also a member of the Galesburg Rifle Club and a past member of the Galesburg American Legion Post #285.  Larry was an avid reader and extremely intelligent.  He had a vast knowledge of information from American History to how to assemble and repair anything.  Many turned to him for assistance and questions.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed watching many games.  Larry loved spending time with family, friends, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and had a nickname for almost everyone.  He will be truly missed and forever loved by all that were lucky enough to have met this extraordinary man.    Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  Masonic Rites will be at 6:30 p.m.  Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home, Galesburg.  Pastor Glen Bocox will officiate.  Burial with military rites will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg.  Memorials may be made to the Alpha Masonic Lodge #155 or Knox County Humane Society.