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Richard W. Hammer, M.D.

82, Lincoln, died Wednesday (1-20-10). Born (1-2-28) in Des Moines, IA. Ret. Physician. U. S. Marines Corp Veteran and Captain in the Navy Reserves. Graduate of the University of Iowa Medical School. Member: First-Plymouth Congregational Church, Rotary Club #14, Lancaster County Medical Association, one of the founders of the Cornhusker State Games, AARP, Nebraska State Historical Society, Lincoln Council for International Visitors, served as a swimming official with Midwestern Swimming and the University of Nebraska, active in TeamMates mentoring program.

 

Visitation: No Visitation/Cremation

 

Service: Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m. Saturday (1-30-10) First-Plymouth Congregational Church, 2000 D Street. (02) Rev. Dr. Jim Keck officiating.

 

Family Gathering:

 

Cemetery:

 

Memorials: Memorials to the First-Plymouth Foundation.

 

Family members include wife of 50 years: Elaine Hammer; sons, daughters-in-law: Mark and Carol Hammer; Kenneth Hammer and Elaine Mandapat; Charles Hammer and Sandra Baez; grandchildren: Jordan, Amina, Dane, Cecilia, Lila; sisters, brothers-in-law: Mary Jean and Dean Veenschoten, Phyllis and Edward Haning; brother, sisters-in-law: Robert Hammer and Susan Crowe; Clara Hammer. Preceded in death by brother Dale.
Public Tributes
01-23-2010
I do not know anyone who has give more of his time and talents for the benefit of others than Dr. Hammer. The swimming communities of the area have all benefited greatly from Doc's gifts and gentle spirit. I will miss him, especially his wise counsel.
Sent by: Betty Kooy
01-23-2010
I will always remember Dr. Hammer wishing me and the swimmers good luck before a swim meet by patting me on the back and giving me a firm handshake. Dr. Hammer did this every single time I saw him over the last 12 years. One of the nicest gentlemen I have ever met.
Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
With condolences,
The Hunt family.
Sent by: Kyle Hunt
01-23-2010
Dr. Hammer was such a kind person. He was my kids dr for a very long time until he retired. He was the one that found out that my youngest son had a heart problem.
Bless him for finding that out!
My condolences to the family.
Sent by: Robin Stevens
01-23-2010
Dr Hammer was so helpful in bringing Elena Dodd in the "Meet Eleanor Roosevelt" presentations. He took charge and made a wonderful evening for the understanding of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He was a faithful member of the United Nations Association with meets on the 4th Monday at ll:30 at Aldersgate UMC 84th and South.
I so enjoyed working with him and valued his insights. We will all miss him!!
Sent by: Marj Manglitz
01-23-2010
Dr. Hammer was one of the kindest
individuals I have ever met. I worked with him at UNL swim meets. I was saddened at the loss of this great man. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our prayers are with the family.
Sent by: Gary and Dianne Streeks
01-23-2010
Every time we met around a pool Dr. Hammer greeted me as kin and aways asked about my loved ones. What a high class gentleman he was! The state meet will be tough without him this year. I'm so sorry for the loss to his family. None of us will forget him.
Sent by: Gretchen Lindner
01-23-2010
Dr. Hammer was my teacher at the University when I was in nursing school and I took one of my sons to him. He was a wonderful caring man. My sympathy to his family.
Sent by: Susan Witt
01-24-2010
Dr. Hammer was a colleague I always appreciated working with. He was quietly competent and caring. I will miss him. I have not seen him since I retired in 2002 with medical disability, but I will never forget the years I worked with him. I send my sincere condolences to everyone in his family.
Sent by: John S. Campbell, M.D. (retired family physician)
01-24-2010
Dick was a valuable member of the Mayor's Committee for International Friendship and LCIV because of his valuable suggestions for promoting good relations with visitors from other countries who came to Lincoln for professional contacts. We will miss his sound advice.
Sent by: Bob Stoddard
01-27-2010
I worked w/Dr. Hammer years ago @ Health America--He was a quiet & caring physician. He will be missed by all the people who's lives he has touch through his giving & sharing. My deepest sympathy to his family & close friends.
Sent by: Chris Wells
01-27-2010
I worked w/Dr. Hammer years ago @ Health America--He was a quiet & caring physician. He will be missed by all the people who's lives he has touched through his giving & sharing. My deepest sympathy to his family & close friends.
Sent by: Chris Wells
01-29-2010
I first became acquainted with Dr. Hammer as a number of us from the Lincoln Jaycees were asked to help him with the Opening Ceremonies of one of the Cornhusker State Games events. But also shared with him as he taught an O.L.L.I. class on "Adams and Jefferson" just a few days before his death.
Sent by: Rich Oehlerking
01-29-2010
We were saddened to learn of Dick's passing. We have been an admirer of Dick since our days in Lincoln. His friendly smile radiated warmth and friendship. His professional demeanor in his work was especially evident with students and with his patients. Ken particularly appreciated Dick's friendship when he was trying to make changes at the University Health Center. He was among the few there who supported Ken's actions.

We will always cherish our memory of Dick. He was a wonderful gentleman and friend and we will miss him greatly.
Sent by: Ken and Linda Bader
01-31-2010
I first met Dr. Hammer at Downtown Rotary 14 weekly meetings. He was such a gentle, respectful person and accomplished such a legacy of service in our community and world. Our thoughts are with you.

Sent by: Ruth and Jay Gerber
02-03-2010
I can always remember Dr.Hammer and his kind words and smile every time I saw him at a meet. His passion for swimming and the love he gave will always be remembered in the hearts of those he touched.
I only hope that what he shared with all of us will continue to blossom with every new swimmer that jumps into the pool. Your family was blessed with a wonderful man that gave his life for everyone to enjoy. Thanks for the help in my life. I know that he always remembered me thru high school and even the years after when coaching USA and high school swimming..

God Bless..
Sent by: Mike Randolph
02-03-2010
My first encounter with this wonderful man was at the UNL Student Health Center when I was a freshman in 1969. I was sick, far away from my family, and scared. Dr. Hammer quickly relieved my anxiety and cured my illness. Whenever I needed something at the Center, I was always treated with care and compassion by him. He set a standard for what I wanted in a doctor after I left the university--his shoes will be hard to fill! My sympathy and love go out to his family. He will be missed.
Sent by: Beth Kimmerling Dumler
03-20-2010
MARK, YOU PROBABLY DON'T EVEN REMEMBER BUT WE WENT TO LINCOLN HIGH. YOU GRADUATED IN 1979 AND I GRADUATED IN 1980.

JUST KNOW MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL AT THIS VERY SAD TIME.

KRISTI SMITH
Sent by: KRISTI SMITH
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