Rev. William “Bill” J. Hamel, age 71, was greeted by his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 after a month and half battle with liver cancer. He was surrounded by his beloved wife and daughters at his home in MN where he had also been lovingly cared for by them.
Bill is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen (Holleen) Hamel; daughters, Krista (David) Masterson and Kari (Eric) Berglund; 5 grandchildren: Ian, William and Linnea Masterson and Emma and Ethan Berglund; siblings: Dr. Peter (Beverly) Hamel, Dr. Timothy (June) Hamel and Wilma (Rev. Peter) Akright; and many relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Peter and Jayne Hamel and grandchild, baby Berglund.
Bill was born on July 30, 1947 in Marquette, MI to J. Peter and Jayne (Berklund) Hamel and grew up on the family farm in Fence, WI. In 2 nd grade, Bill accepted Jesus as his Savior; choosing to stay in from recess at summer VBS to learn more about Christ’s saving grace. For his 6 th grade year, the Hamel family then moved to Clintonville, WI, then New London, WI, and just before his junior year to Stanley, WI where Bill graduated from Stanley-Boyd High School (class of ‘65). Bill loved playing football during his high school and college years. In 1969, he graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. During his senior year, Bill decided to answer his call to ministry and to continue his education at Trinity Divinity School in Deerfield, IL, graduating cum laude with a Masters of Divinity Degree in 1972. In the spring of 1998, he received two honorary Doctorates from Trinity International University and Trinity Western University.
It was in Stanley that Bill met Karen at an EFCA church plant. Both sets of their parents were charter members of the newly formed Faith Evangelical Free Church. On August 10, 1968, Bill and Karen were married at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Stanley. They were later blessed with two precious girls, Krista Joy and Kari Elise. In later years, Bill became a proud Opa and relished every moment with his 5 grandkids–especially raising them up as the next generation of Green Bay Packer fans.
Bill’s life as a pastor began in 1972 at West Bloomington Evangelical Free Church (CrossPoint) in Bloomington, MN. Bill shepherded this congregation until 1986, when he became District Superintendent of the EFCA Midwest District for Kansas and Nebraska. Returning to Minnesota in 1991, Bill became the Executive Vice President of the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) at the denomination’s national office in Bloomington, MN. After serving as Interim president for one year, Bill was elected President of the EFCA in July, 1997 and continued to faithfully serve for 18 years until his retirement in 2015. Since his retirement, Bill continued to mentor other pastors and staff as part-time Pastor of Leadership Development at Trinity Church in Lakeville, MN, where he also served as the Interim Lead Pastor from 3/1/2017 until 4/1/2018.
Bill’s faithful service to others extended beyond his role within the EFCA. He served on numerous boards throughout his career: EFCA North Central District, Camp Shamineau, Elim Homes, Elim Care, Elim Care/Augustana Merger, University of Northwestern-St. Paul. the National Association of Evangelicals, World Relief, Trinity University, and Trinity Western University.
However, Bill’s life was best defined by the people whom he loved and served. He always felt that the Lord had given him a deep passion to lead all people in their faith. Bill took true interest into the lives and struggles of others and great joy in mentoring pastors (something that he continued to do even in his final weeks). His love and compassion was felt by all who knew him. Bill had an infectious smile, a love for people from all ethnicities and walks of life, an undying commitment to the local church and a passion for multiplying disciples. His leadership will not be forgotten, and his legacy will be evident through the lives of those who have learned from him.
A visitation will be held Thursday, August 23 from 4-7 pm and on Friday, August 24 from 9:30-10:40 am. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11 am. All events will take place at Trinity Church, 10658 210 th Street West, Lakeville, MN. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Fence, WI, on Monday, August 27 at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The William J. Hamel All People Fund (Evangelical Free Church of America 901 East 78 th St. Minneapolis, MN 55420) or Trinity Church (10658 210 th St. W. Lakeville, MN 55044). If you would like to send a card to the Hamel family, please send to either address noted above.
