Drs. Larry and Christy Hammer, partners in life and marriage, passed away together in their sleep of smoke inhalation, on April 10 while vacationing on a tour boat on the Amazon River near Iquitos, Peru. They will forever be remembered by those lucky enough to have known them for their love, kindness, humor, friendship and generosity.
Larry and Christy were happily married for 51 yrs. and poured their hearts into raising their daughters and, later, showering their grandchildren with love. Their shared passions included the cultural arts (theater, symphony and fine arts), cheering on the Huskers (Go Big Red!), travel, their beloved dog, Razzle Dazzle, and photography. Their zest to experience the world’s vast and varied cultures led them on numerous adventures around the globe, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America. Their happiest moments were during vacations with their family to places such as Disneyland, Colorado, and Hawaii, and on far-flung adventures to Africa, Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands.
Dr. Larry Morris Hammer was born on Sept. 17, 1941 in Waverly, NE. to Verna and Morris Hammer. He was the first of two children raised on a farm and educated in a one-room schoolhouse by his grandmother, the teacher. He graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln (UNL). He was an active member of the Farmhouse Fraternity and was honored as one of only thirteen students named to the UNL Innocents Society for his leadership, service and academic excellence.
After earning his Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Larry worked for UNL from 1961 until his retirement in 2002 as the Director of Professional Development in the Department of Continuing Studies. Larry served as a Board Member of the Ollie Webb Foundation and for his neighborhood association. Larry enjoyed gardening, bird watching, pies and Krispy Kreme donuts.
Dr. Christy Jean Hammer was born on Aug. 12, 1943 in Sioux City, Ia. to Marie and Lewill Opland. She graduated from UNL and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Administration, Curriculum and Instruction. After teaching English literature and social studies for more than 20 years in Aurora, Norris and Lincoln, Christy began working for Gallup Organization in 1987. At Gallup, she taught and mentored hundreds of colleagues around the world until her retirement in 2009 as a Senior Analyst and Seminar Leader.
Christy had a passion for nurturing and growing, which shone through in her hobby tending to dozens of orchids that always re-bloomed under her care. She loved reading and was seen as a personal librarian to friends, thanks to her thoughtful book recommendations and willingness to engage in book club-style discussions. Christy had a unique ability to connect and forge friendships with people from all walks of life, and her absence will be felt around the world.
Larry and Christy are survived by daughters Kelly Hammer Lankford (Scott) of Lee’s Summit, Mo. and Jill Hammer Malott (Deane) of Menlo Park, Calif., sister of Larry, Linda Hammer of Omaha, Neb., and beloved grandchildren Carlie, Clayton, Boden and Leo.
A Celebration of Life service will be held for friends and family on Sunday, April 24, at Lauritzen Gardens (100 Bancroft Street in Omaha) at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to Lauritzen Gardens. Private family burial in Lincoln, NE.