Edward Jonas Hammerberg, Jr

Edward Jonas Hammerberg, Jr, age 78, passed away Sunday, May 25, 2025. He was born on March 4, 1947, in Flint, MI, to Edward and Priscilla Hammerberg.

Ed was the third eldest and first son of eight children. From an early age he loved sports and excelled at basketball. From shooting hoops off the side of the house as a boy, to scoring over 1000 pts in high school, becoming a multi-sport athlete in college, and ultimately becoming a coach; sports were Ed’s true passion and love.

He graduated from high school in 1965 and attended Illinois Benedictine. After graduation, he became a police officer with the Flint police department and then the Arlington Police Department. He met lifelong friends during this time. In 1976, he moved to Lakeland to pursue a career in teaching and coaching. He was given that opportunity at Santa Fe Catholic High School. He then moved to Lakeland Senior High School and eventually became the Head coach of the boys’ varsity basketball team in 1981. He coached and taught hundreds of students for many decades.

In 1994, Ed and his son Eddie opened Team Hammer Screen Printing and ran this successful small business for over 25 years. Ed loved the community Team Hammer built and could be found in the office greeting customers and talking shop with anyone who stopped by.

When he was not working, Ed enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Being naturally athletic, his downtime often revolved around sports. He was an avid runner, and one of his biggest accomplishments was finishing the New York City Marathon. He participated in sports leagues with friends, and there are many stories to tell. He loved his RV and loved his family tradition of spending two weeks at the Red Coconut RV Park in Ft. Myers Beach. But what Ed is truly known for is his love for the University of Michigan. You knew not to call him or talk to him during a football game. Go BLUE!

He was preceded in death by his son Edward Jonas Hammerberg III, siblings, Martha Hunt, and Patty Bancroft, and his beloved dog Bud. Edward is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jackie Hammerberg, two daughters, Krissy Cockman & husband Marc, and Brittany Hammerberg & husband Steve, daughter-in-law Juli Surface Hammerberg, seven grandchildren, Eddie Quintana & wife Lauren, Shea Quintana, Drew Hammerberg, Emma Hammerberg, Owen Hammerberg, Kara Krawchuck, and John Harold Krawchuck. Five siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Heath Funeral Chapel and Mass will be held at Resurrection Catholic Church on Thursday May 29th, 2025, at 1 PM. Interment to follow at Oak Hill Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Good Shepherd Hospice https://www.chaptershealth.org/foundation/good-shepherd-hospice-donation/ or to St. John Vianney Catholic School at https://www.sjvkids.org