March 17, 2002 – June 24, 2026
Zander Leroy Hamlin, of Duluth Township, was born on March 17, 2002, and tragically passed away on June 24, 2026, as a result of a single vehicle accident.
From an early age, Zander had a competitive spirit and a heart full of determination. As a young boy in Cloquet, he found his passion on the wrestling mat. Throughout high school, he played basketball and hockey. As he grew older, his love for sports only continued to flourish. In his adult life, he enjoyed playing pickleball alongside his parents, sharing laughter, friendly competition, and countless cherished moments together with family and friends. Throughout his life, Zander was an avid fan of Minnesota’s sports teams, especially the Wild, Vikings and Timberwolves. Sports were more than just games to him, they helped shape the strong, determined, and compassionate man that he became.
Zander’s greatest passion was fishing. From the time he was old enough to hold a fishing pole, he found peace and happiness on the water. Fishing wasn’t just a hobby – it was a lifelong passion that stayed with him through every stage of his life. Some of Zander’s favorite memories were made on the water, whether he was spending early mornings with family, heading out for late-night fishing adventures with friends, or finding quiet moments by himself on an inland lake, a riverbank, or the ice. Fishing was one of the many ways Zander connected with the people he loved. He especially enjoyed going out on his parent’s boat, where he spent a lot of his time fishing as an adult on Lake Superior. Zander possessed a deep kindness and appreciation for quality time with family and friends that will forever be remembered by everyone who had the privilege of sharing these moments with him, on or off the water.
Zander took great pride in building a future for himself. After graduating from Cloquet High School, he attended the Electrical Program at Lake Superior College, where he earned his degree in 2024. His commitment, perseverance, and strong work ethic were evident in everything he pursued.
Shortly after graduation, Zander achieved one of his proudest accomplishments when he was accepted as a Union Electrician Apprentice with IBEW Local 242. He embraced the opportunity with excitement and determination, eager to continue learning his trade and building a career he could be proud of. Though his time was far too short, the dedication, ambition, and love he carried every day left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. His legacy is not only found in what he accomplished, but in the kind, humble, and hardworking man he became. He will be remembered for the love he shared with those closest to him, for his infectious smile, intellect, sense of humor, compassion and generosity.
After his passing, Zander was honored with the Native name Makwa Ode’, meaning “ bear heart” in Ojibwe, a reflection of the strength, spirit, and connection he carried throughout his life.
Zander is survived by his beloved sister, Camryn Hamlin (Raeshawn); and his treasured niece, Cora; his Great Uncle Michael Furtman (Mary Jo); Grandpa Butch Furtman; biological mother Jaclyn Furtman; biological father, David Hamlin; biological siblings, Brady Sundquist, Brynn and Alahna; along with many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends. Zander spent the last six years of his life with his loving parents Michael Manger and Melissa Grover, who cherished him as their son, and was also well loved by their extended families, giving him many more adored grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Zander is also survived by his beloved dog, Ender, who was more than a pet. He was a loyal companion, a source of comfort, and a faithful friend.
To honor his memory, a scholarship fund has been established in Zander’s name with the Lake Superior College Foundation. This fund will provide need-based aid to future LSC students studying Commercial and Residential Wiring, the program that benefited Zander so deeply. Contributions can be made through this link: https://lsc.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1168
