John J. Hannam

John J. Hannam, age 96 of Melrose, passed away Thursday, December 25, 2014, at the Monroe Care Center in Albia. John was born June 12, 1918, to Richard P. and Lorretta (Murphy) Hannam at his home in Melrose. He married Mary M. Sullivan on January 30, 1940, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose. They were blessed with a daughter, Carol. John and Mary shared almost 75 years of marriage prior to his passing. John graduated from the Melrose High School in 1936. He lived and farmed south of Melrose for most of his life before moving into town in Melrose in 1976. After moving into town he worked at the Albia Community School District in Melrose and Albia. He retired in 2003, after 26 years, at the age of 85. John was a lifelong member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose. In his younger years, he played the guitar and the banjo in a local band the Prairie Ramblers. John enjoyed being around people. He never met a stranger and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. His real joy in life was spending time with his family and friends. John is survived by his wife, Mary of Melrose; a daughter, Carol (Mike) Cosgrove of Albia; four grandchildren, Megan (Bill) Wilson of Albia, Michael (Sherry) Cosgrove of Ottumwa, Chris Ramirez, and Josh (Emily) Ramirez; and nine great-grandchildren, Mariah and Tony Leshen, Gage and Bella Wilson, and Calista, Meghan, Madelyn, Mason, and Myles Ramirez. John is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mary L. Scieszinski; and a brother-in-law, Vince Scieszinski. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 29, 2014, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose, with Fr. Patrick Lumsden officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Tharp Funeral Home and then from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., Sunday, December 28, 2014, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose, with John's family present throughout. A rosary will begin at 6:00 p.m., and a Christian wake service will follow at 6:30 p.m. led by Deacon Kamerick. An open memorial has been established in John's name.

John J. Hannam

June 12, 1918 - December 25, 2014