Deane Paulson Hammarstedt

Deane Paulson Hammarstedt, 95, of Crystal Lake, IL passed away peacefully at home on July 26, 2026.

He was born in Ogden, IA on July 20, 1931 to Mildred (Paulson) and Ross Bergloff Hammarstedt.

Deane grew up in Ogden. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Ogden, Iowa and graduated from Ogden High School in 1949.

After high school he attended Iowa State College (now ISU); where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity, served 4 years in ROTC Air Force, and graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

In January of 1953, Deane was called into Air Force as 2nd Lieutenant, assigned to Air Force Special Weapons Center at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albequerque, New Mexico. He served there for 2 years as a Mechanical Engineer. Despite strong family prodding, he never told anyone what he did there; he’s taking those secrets to the grave.

On July 11, 1953, he married Joan Davis in Woodstock, Illinois.

In January of 1956 his active duty in the Air Force ended and they moved to Warren, MI where Deane began an internship with Chrysler working in carburetor design. At the same time, he enrolled in Chrysler Institute of Engineering where he earned a master’s degree in Automotive Engineering in 1957. Deane continued working for Chrysler as a Mechanical Engineer until 1959.

In 1959, they moved from MI to Rockford, IL where Deane worked for Sundstrand Aviation in Rockford until he was laid off due to the loss of government contract.

In 1960, they moved to Crystal Lake and Deane worked at Pure Oil Research Center in Crystal Lake, IL. When Pure Oil closed and moved the center yo Berea California, they chose not to move to CA.

In 1965, they moved to Dearborn, MI and Deane worked for Ford Motor Company as a design/test engineer until 1967.

In 1967 they moved back to Crystal Lake and he was employed as a facilities engineer at United Airlines’ executive office complex in Elk Grove Village, Illinois until his retirement.

They bought the house they built in 1960 and lived there until he passed.

Deane loved gardening, private piloting, traveling, and RV trips. He was active and healthy into his 90’s.

He loved the lord Jesus, was an member of the Gideons and a lifetime Lutheran. He was a charter member of Prince of Peace Lutheran and past member of Immanuel Lutheran Churches in Crystal Lake.

Deane is survived by his wife of 73 years, Joan Hammarstedt; daughter Dr. Kirsten (Joe Herba) Kershaw, sons Dave (Denise), Eric (Tammy), and Paul Hammarstedt.

Surviving grandchildren include Katie Akers, Amy Hammarstedt, Leah Hammarstedt, Kyla (Eric) Riley Mouroukas, David (Moira) Hammarstedt, William (Maddie) Kershaw, Alex Kershaw, Sophie Kershaw, Lauren (Mitch) Thompson, and Joe (Katie) Herba Jr.

Surviving great-grandchildren include Sydney Akers, Owen Akers, Reagan Thompson, Logan Thompson, and Dalton Thompson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter-in-law Lynda (Brandeau) Hammarstedt.

A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 am on July 30, 2026 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 932 S McHenry Ave, Crystal Lake, IL. The funeral service will be immediately after at 11 am. Interment with military honors will follow the funeral service at McHenry County Memorial Park 11301 US-14 E, Woodstock, IL.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.