Joseph Richard “Dick” Hamann
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at St. Alphonsus Church in Langdon, N.D., with visitation starting at Noon, for Joseph Richard “Dick” Hamann, a beloved husband, father, uncle, cousin, and community member, who was born on February 8, 1926, in the Hamann farmhouse near Langdon, N.D. He passed away on August 27, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy built on hard work, love, resilience, service, and an unmistakable zest for life.
From the very beginning, Dick was not one to shy away from hard work. At just four years old, he began attending country school, walking the mile and a half to school many days. He graduated from St. Alphonsus School in 1943. Growing up on the family homestead, established in 1883, Dick learned early the importance of responsibility, perseverance, and pitching in wherever he was needed. He helped with farm chores, tended livestock, worked the fields, and developed the practical skills that would serve him throughout his life. His dedication to the family farm never wavered. He became a skilled mechanic, able to tackle nearly any farm related maintenance or repair that came his way. If something needed fixing, Dick was usually ready to figure it out.
During World War II, Dick remained on the farm to help with the harvest. Always willing to find a way to work and earn a little extra money, he also set traplines and sold furs. His adventurous nature, however, kept him from staying in one place for too long. During the summer months, Dick and his brother-in-law, Bud Brekke, operated a custom combining business that took them throughout the Midwest.
In 1973, Dick took an even bigger leap and volunteered for the Peace Corps. His service took him to the Philippines, where an adventure that began as an opportunity to serve would also lead to one of the most important chapters of his life. There he met and married his beloved wife, Catalina “Lina” Celeste, in 1974.
After returning to Langdon, Dick continued to serve others. He worked for three years as a firefighter with the West Coast Fire Service at the Nekoma Missile Base before returning to the family farm in 1977. His commitment to his community was woven into his everyday life. He delivered Meals on Wheels for many years, was a lifelong member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, and was one of the earliest members of the Langdon chapter of the Knights of Columbus. Dick believed in showing up, lending a hand, and doing what needed to be done.
Dick and Lina raised two children, Leah and John. The tragic loss of their son, John, in 2002 profoundly changed Dick and left a lasting place in his heart. Yet, true to his resilient nature, Dick found a way to turn his grief into something meaningful. He began writing, preserving memories and sharing the lessons he had gathered throughout his remarkable life. In 2004, he published his first book, Hauling the Biggest Load, followed by Grief and Grieving. In 2024, at the age of 98, he published his third book, My True Stories of Yesteryears, bringing to life stories, experiences, and lessons from a lifetime well lived. Retirement did not mean slowing down for Dick. He and Lina enjoyed spending winters in Weslaco, Texas, where they made lasting friendships and treasured time with family. Dick had a natural curiosity and an appreciation for life that stayed with him well into his later years. Even in his late 90s, he remained active and engaged, enjoying reading, walking, and yoga. He continued to challenge himself, stay healthy, and keep learning, proof that age was never going to tell Dick what he could or could not do.
Dick is survived by his loving daughter, Leah (Myra) Hamann; his sisters, Joan Brekke of Edmore, N.D., and Inez (Leonard) Rath of Fargo, N.D.; his nieces: Candice (Larry) Dietz of Fargo, N.D.; Patricia (Keith) Kilber of Fargo, N.D.; Marlene (Rocky) Ridl of West Fargo, N.D.; Jayne (Dan) Olsgaard of Bismarck, N.D.; Paula (Mike) Hanlon of West Fargo, N.D.; Linda (Edwin) Erickson of Milnor, N.D.; Diane (Steve) Fradet of West Fargo, N.D.; Kim (Scott) Seamands of West Fargo, N.D.; Laurie (Dave) Gress of Fargo, N.D.; Lisa (Melissa) Hagel of Fargo, N.D.; and his nephews: Roger (Peg) Lothspeich of Hathaway of Mont.; Scott (Pam) Brekke of Edmore, N.D.; Mark (Cathy) Brekke of Bottineau, N.D.; Jay (Anita) Hamann of Ollala, Wash.; and Dave (Shannon) Hilfer of Bismarck, N.D. He is also survived by close relatives and a host of friends and family who will remember him for his kindness, wisdom, humor, determination, and unwavering spirit.
He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Lina; his beloved son, John; his sisters, Valeria and Rosemary and her husband, Harold Lothspeich; his brothers, Billie and Paul and his wife, Carole Hamann; his brother-in-law, Melford “Bud” Brekke; and his nephews, Joe and Loren Lothspeich.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Osnabrock Community Living Center, reflecting Dick’s lifelong commitment to service, compassion, and community.
Online condolences are available at www.brooksfuneralhomelangdon. com .