Grady Lundgren-Hammel, age 8, left his earthly home for his heavenly home after a courageous fight with a rare form of cancer called NUT protein carcinoma. Grady fought with everything he had, defying all odds for just over 13 months.
He started his short life on April 14, 2014, minutes before his twin brother Wyatt, in Mankato, Minn. This has meant double trouble since day one. They then moved to Kasson and finally landed in Spring Grove where his Mom met the love of her life, Jimmy.
Grady will be remembered for so many things; his dirty blonde curly long hair, his dimples, his love for the Minnesota Vikings, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Spring Grove Lions. Grady enjoyed helping Jimmy around the farm and loved it so much that he wanted to be a farmer when he grew up. He also loved fishing, camping, going for four wheeler rides, and being outside. He liked to keep his brothers in line. He hated when they messed with his things because he had them all organized in their places. He had a smile that would melt a heart but also told you he was up to shenanigans. Grady loved his entire family, but would not let his mom leave his sight. He loved her with his entire heart! He also loved Iron Man, Thor and the Minions. He even received a message from Gru himself. To say the least, he was a kind-hearted little boy who had a lot of love in his little heart.
Grady is survived by his mom, Dana (Jimmy Hammel) “Wonder Woman” of Spring Grove, dad Paul Lundgren of Mankato, Minn., sister Kiah Lundgren “Mother Hen,” brothers Wyatt Lundgren and Wyatt Hammel “Dumb and Dumber,” “Sr. and Jr.,” or “Thing 1 and Thing 2,” which are just a few names Grady gave them, all from Spring Grove, and sister Sophia Lundgren. He also leaves behind many grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved him so very much!
Grady is preceded in death by his sister Grace Lundgren, grandmother Dee Lundgren, great-grandparents, and Carla Hammel.
Our family would like to thank the Spring Grove and Kasson-Mantorville Communities for all their support and kind words during the last 13 months. We would also like to thank all the doctors, nurses and other medical professionals at Mayo Clinic Rochester, Caledonia, and La Crosse. Grady is now in the air we breathe, the gentle breeze on a warm day, snowflakes that fall on our noses, and raindrops that fall on our cheeks. Remember to live every moment of every day as we never know when our last day will be. Fly high Grady Gru, we love and miss you! We will NUT give up in your honor every single day!
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, January 9, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dorchester, Iowa. Visitation will be Sunday, January 8, from 3-8 p.m. at the church, and also Monday one hour prior to the service at the church. McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia, is assisting the family and online condolences may be given at mccormickfuneralhome.net.
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