INGA L. HAMMER
Inga Langland Hammer passed away May 19, 2009 surrounded by her family.
Inga was born
Sept. 1, 1922 to Lars and Karina Langland, Norwegian immigrants, who became pillars in the Stanwood community. She married the love of her life, Alton Hammer on May 6, 1944, and together they had five children, whom they adored. Tragedy struck Inga when Al died at 39, leaving her to raise five small children.
In addition to working at up to three jobs at a time while her children were growing up, Inga was a truly dedicated community volunteer. In April 2004, she was recognized as Volunteer of the Month at the Stanwood Senior Center for the many hundreds of hours that she willingly gave to help others.
That defined her life. She was always there for others. She never complained about day-today living and could always find something good to say about life in general. She believed that it was God's will that she was able to assist those in need. Thousands of students who attended Stanwood Elementary School will remember Mrs. Hammer as the school secretary to whom they could seek help and solace.
She retired after many years with the Stanwood School District to enjoy life and her family. She traveled throughout Southeast Asia and then throughout Scandinavia. Then, together with her brothers and sisters, she was able to return to Norway to visit with the extended Norwegian branch of the family tree, a vacation that brought great joy to her as the family historian. To that end, Inga completed an extensive family tree to the benefit of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
After her retirement, Inga was a very active volunteer, secretary and board member for the Stanwood Community and Senior Center, which is located in the building that housed the Lincoln High School, where she graduated in 1940.
Inga was an active member of the Sons of Norway, the Stanwood Historical Museum, and the Stanwood Community and Senior Center, as well as serving for a number of years as a very active member of the congregation of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Stanwood.
Her skill in creating Norwegian specialties was admired by all who knew her. While in her 80's, she taught cooking classes at Gretchen's Kitchen in Mount Vernon on how to make lefse and krumkager, among other traditional Norwegian treats.
She was an avid fan of the Seattle Mariners, but her favorite "sport" was sitting at a table for four with two or more decks of cards. Her weekly calendar featured card games together with potluck dinner at her home and at those of her fellow card-playing friends. Pinochle and "Hand and Foot" were the games of choice. When a card game could not be arranged, she and her friends would gather for bingo at the various senior centers in the area. The occasional bus trip to Reno was a real treat.
Inga is survived by her five children: sons, Barry (Donna Lindahl), Kearney (Gail) and Brian (Nancy); daughters, Karrie (Ken) Haugstad and Brenda (Art) Bartlett. Inga was blessed with 11 grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren, whom she loved and adored. She is also survived by her sisters, Ann Newton and Bertha Stendera.
She was predeceased by her brothers, Alfred Langland and Ole Langland.
The family requests donations be given to the Stanwood Area Historical Society or the Stanwood Community and Senior Center in lieu of flowers.
The Stanwood community has lost a dear and dedicated friend. She will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Sat., June 6, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Stanwood.
