Rev. Robert F. Hamel

Rev. Robert F. “Bob” Hamel, priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis, died on April 21, 2018, at the age of 91. Father was born in Minneapolis on December 24, 1926 to Archie and Alice (Hansen) Hamel, the middle of three children, Archie, Robert, and James. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1954 in pre-med and worked as a salesman for E.R. Squibb Pharmaceutical Company for 25 years. A top salesman, he won many trips throughout his career. Bob served in various offices for the parish council at St. Peters in Mendota, for the Legion of Mary, and the Minnesota State Horticulture Society. He was also president of the Minnesota Dahlia Society. He was ordained to the priesthood at St. Paul Cathedral by Archbishop John Roach on May 28, 1983. He served as Associate at St. Pascal’s Parish in St. Paul, Sacred Heart Parish in Robbinsdale, and Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Maplewood. He was appointed administrator at St. Michael’s in St. Michael in 1987 and then at St. Luke’s in Clearwater. Fr. Hamel became a 4th degree Knight of Columbus during his retirement years, in Venice, FL. Fr. Hamel is survived by his only child, Theresa Hamel Bergida (husband Mike); 7 grandchildren: Fr. Joseph Bergida, Mary Bergida Deluca (husband Luciano), James Bergida, John Bergida (wife Natalie), Jeanette Bergida Zettler (husband Zach), Tony Bergida (wife Anna), and Chris Bergida; 3 great grandchildren: Zellie and Edwin Zettler, and Augustine Bergida; Mary Hamel (wife of Fr. Bob’s late brother Jim), and many nieces & nephews. He is preceded in death by brothers Archie and Jim Hamel and great-granddaughter, Beatrice Deluca. Visitations on Friday, May 4th 11am-1pm at CHURCH OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, 1725 Kennard St. N., Maplewood (followed by coffee reception with family) and 2:30-4:30pm at CERENITY SENIOR CARE, 200 Earl St., St. Paul, where Fr. Hamel resided for many years. Mass of Christian burial on Monday, May 7th 11am at ST. MICHAEL CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1100 Frankfort Parkway NE, St. Michael with a visitation 1 hour prior to Mass at church. Luncheon at church to follow burial at St. Michael Cemetery.