Donald Duane Hamann

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Donald Duane Hamann was born in North Platte, NE on March 19, 1931 to William G. and Helen D. Hamann. He died peacefully at age 91 in Lincoln, NE on December 26, 2022.

Husband of Phoebe (Dempster) deceased 2002; father of Lynn Hamann Roberts of Fort Collins, CO, W. Richard Hamann of Ashland (Shari) and Charles “Chip” Hamann of Ottawa, Canada (Alain). Grandfather to Jordan (Hamann) Heiser of Lincoln (Patrick), and Jeremy Hamann of Longmont, CO (Jane). Great grand-father to Jovie and Jones Heiser of Lincoln and Penelope Hamann of Longmont, CO.

A Nebraska native, Don truly loved his home state. He studied business and graduated from the University of Nebraska, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He was later enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

In 1957, Don joined his father, Bill Hamann, as they assumed ownership of Lincoln’s first fine jewelry store, Sartor’s. From then on, it became Sartor Hamann Jewelers. Don was born with a natural gift for story-telling, a true interest in people and an appreciation for beautiful things. As a young man, he started many businesses and he often tells the story of the “motorized bicycle” that he marketed in Crete, where he grew up and graduated from high school.

Don was well known in the jewelry industry as President of the Jewelers of America and was a leader in other regional and national trade organizations. As a local business leader, he was president of the Downtown Lincoln Association and active in the Chamber of Commerce. He was a longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Don, along with his late wife Phoebe, was an ardent supporter of innumerable charities and foundations. They together were particularly passionate about supporting music and the arts, including theatre, music education in the Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra and the Lied Center.

An avid gardener and rose lover, Don made a generous donation to the City of Lincoln in 2006 to assist in the complete renovation of the Municipal Rose Garden at 27th and “C” Streets. In honor of his lead gift, the garden was renamed The Hamann Rose Garden.

A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held from 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. with the family present on Thursday, June 1st at Roper and Sons South Chapel Reception Room (3950 Hohennsee Drive, 68516)

Memorials can be made to The Hamann Rose Garden:
https://www.lincolnparks.org/what_we_do/tributes-memorials/hamann-rose-garden.html

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Services

June1

Life Celebration Gathering

5:00 pm-7:30 pm CST

Roper & Sons South Chapel

3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill)
Lincoln, NE 68516

(402) 261-5907

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June 2, 2023

I did not really know Don, but attended Rocky Ridge Music Camp (and a few other area music activities) with Chip while growing up. My mother resides at The Landing. About a year ago, while visiting her, we went to the memory care unit to see a friend of hers. Mom asked me to bring some music to play on their piano. My mother found her friend and they sat near the piano to listen to me. While playing tunes from the 40s, my mother was surprised to see Don, having heard the music, dancing with an invisible partner in the hall nearby. The music definitely connected with him. I am sorry for the family’s loss.

– Michelle (White) Hile

June 1, 2023

My heart is broken that he has passed. I’ve known him all of my life and my parents Jackie and Dwain Jones were very close friends with Don and Phoebe. Nights singing on the driveway while playing the ukulele and banjo are memories I won’t forget. Performing skits for them and my parents was a blast. I always thought Don was the epitome of cool. Lynn, Rick and Chip, I’m so sorry.

– Nancy Jones

May 30, 2023

Chip — I am very sorry to read of your father’s passing as it is always tough to lose a parent. I will be praying for you and your family.

– Leona Penner

January 16, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I worked for him for 8 years and he was the sweetest gentleman! I will always remember my time at Sartor Hamann, it was a wonderful ‘family’ to be with and Don was always kind and helpful. I will remember him with fondness. Sending our sympathy to Rick and his family.

– Diane(Freed) and Merlyn Hansen

January 4, 2023

Don was such an asset to the Lincoln Rose Society. When he was able to come to meetings, he would always be thinking of ways to get new people to our organization. He loved to grow roses and he loved to show us his roses in the yard. He gave the city of Lincoln such a wonderful gift of the rose garden and he also worked down in the garden pruning it. He was very proud of the garden. We have missed him in recent years at our social events. He loved to come and talk roses. We are so sorry for your loss of your dad and our friend.

– Patty Haddow and Lincoln Rose Society Members

January 2, 2023

Don was a faithful member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and it was always a pleasure to see and visit with him there. When he had moved to the Landing, I for a time, picked him up and drove him to church. We always had interesting conversations. He had a rich memory of his life, and enjoyed sharing them. I send you my sympathy at your loss.

– Carolyn Whitmarsh Harp

December 31, 2022

Sorry for your loss, Rick , Shari and family. It’s always tough to lose a parent . Our sympathies to you and your family! Barry and Marlys

– Marlys & Barry Christensen

December 31, 2022

I got the pleasure of working as a college intern for Don at Gateway Mall and once in a while at the downtown location. It was always so interesting to watch how Don was so professionally personable to the clients of the store and how helpful he was in answering questions. It was always like Christmas when Don came to the Mall store bringing in new pieces. Working for Don and getting to know the family has been a delight. I always felt like I could step back into a roll at the store, just felt like family even 35 years ago. So happy for his legacy, Rick and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Hugs and much love.

– Deb Fisbeck

December 30, 2022

Sorry for your loss, Rick. He was a class person that genuinely cared about others. He passed that characteristic down to you. My son Jay, often tells me how nice you are as his customer at HyVee.

– Jim Seiler

December 30, 2022

Don Hamann was a neighbor to the back of our house on Cooper Avenue. What we mostly remember of him is when we had a large snow storm, Don would crank up his old John Deere tractor and come around to Cooper Avenue, back up to our driveway and with the blade he had mounted, clean out our driveway. He was a very kind and generous neighbor.

– Sharon Shelley

December 30, 2022

My condolences to the Hamann family. My wife and I moved our family to Lincoln (she was born/raised in northeast NE) in September ‘92. I hadn’t sat at a goldsmith’s bench for several years, but when my temp job ended in June ‘93, Mr. Hamann gave me a shot. I was only on the bench until February ‘95, but what a great place. I learned a lot from everyone there!

– Doug Walker

December 29, 2022

When I was 15, now 35, and just a cashier at HyVee, I would see Don on a regular occurrence. He was the highlight of being a cashier. To see regulars come in and remember you and be grateful for you help was a great way to started off a Career in Customer Service. I often thought of Don while growing up and hearing his radio ads. So sorry for the family’s loss of an incredibly kind soul.