Bernhard Hanhilammi

Bernhard David Hanhilammi age 89, transitioned to the spiritual world on Feb. 4, 2022, joining his wife Peggy. Ben was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, and graduated from Ashtabula High School in 1950. He attended Case Institute of Technology, receiving a BS degree in Civil Engineering in 1954. He proudly served in the US Army from 1955 to 1957. Ben (or Dave, as his colleagues called him), spent his career at the State of Ohio Bridge Bureau retiring as Bureau Chief after 40+ years of service. He made many life-long friends, often joining them for lunches after his retirement.

Ben lived most of his life on the family horse farm raising all the various animals the kids wanted and his Irish setter dogs. The farm was a sanctuary for many friends and family who enjoyed swimming, fishing, camp outs and bonfires. He hosted birthday, Christmas, Halloween, and softball parties. He did not go on many vacations because everything he enjoyed was at the farm. Ben loved playing ice hockey on the farm pond with neighbors, friends, family, and his work colleagues. With his wife Peggy’s vision, family help, and the Stroh’s beer tap, he built the farm into a beautiful place to relax and enjoy life.

Ben was the youngest child in his family and was predeceased by his fourteen brothers and sisters and his parents Alfred and Helmi Hanhilammi. His parents emigrated from Finland and settled in Ashtabula, OH, where Ben grew up.

Ben is survived by his children David (Karyl) Hanhilammi, Cathy (Jim) Birtcher, and Susan Hanhilammi, grandchildren Jordan (Charly Jackson) Hanhilammi, Trevor (Jenny) Hanhilammi, Lisa (John) Blankenship, four great grandchildren, six great great grandchildren, brother-in-law Bill Fox, and numerous nieces, nephews, family members, and other special friends.

Friends may visit at Shaw-Davis Funeral Home Beechwold-Clintonville Chapel 4341 N. High St. Cols. 43214 Friday, February 11 from 11-1 pm where funeral service will follow at 1 pm. Pastor Emeritus James Long officiating. Masks are Mandatory. Internment immediately following at Glen Rest Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to Columbus Humane Animal Shelter or the Columbus Symphony.