Ronald J. “Hammer” Hamsa

Ronald J. “Hammer” Hamsa

November 9, 1940-August 10, 2022

Ronald J. “Hammer” Hamsa, 81, of Omaha passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 10, 2022.

Ron was born in Pasadena, California on November 9, 1940, to Jacob and Helen (Belsan) Hamsa. When he was 4 years old, his family moved to Omaha, where he attended kindergarten. The family then moved to Dwight, where Ron attended grades 1-8 before they moved to Lincoln. Ron attended Sacred Heart Junior High School and then University High School, graduating in 1958. He then attended the University of Nebraska for two years.

Ron worked at Mail Advertising Corporation of America, Velee Outdoor Advertising, and Imperial Advertising, managing both the Omaha and Sioux City plants. After moving to Omaha, Ron owned and operated the Hawk’s Nest before working for Omaha Slings. After that, he spent 11 years on the road as a salesman for Crown Chemtanks before opening Boondockers in 1999. Boondockers has been his home away from home for 23 years.

Ron is a well-known businessman in Omaha, with many colleagues and friends who know him best as “Hammer”. Anyone who knew Hammer could tell you he was just a teddy bear – even though he tried to be grumpy. Hammer loved his friends, employees, and patrons who spent endless hours at Boondockers. He was a lifelong Nebraska Cornhusker fan, and if he wasn’t in Lincoln for the game, he was hosting a gameday party at Boondockers. Hammer loved visiting with his countless friends and loved to talk about his grandchildren. He was loved and cared for by many close friends and bar family, who he held close to his heart.

Ron is survived by his two children, Steve and wife Connie Hamsa of Brandon, SD, and Lisa and husband Whitey Tolliver of Wagner, SD. His grandchildren Ali (Matt) Jones of Omaha, Jacob Hamsa of Boston, MA, Tyler Hamsa of Sioux Falls, Branson (Kristin) Tolliver of Sioux Falls, Brooklyn (Noah) Marasco-Ayau of Sioux City, Jackie (John) Susie of IA, Ashley (Kyle) Brooks of Sioux Falls, James Mork and Kelli Mork, both of Sioux Falls; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Frank (Betty) Hamsa of Dwight, and sister, Jeanne Lord of Lincoln. Nephew Dan (Linda) Hamsa and niece Dina (Pat) Soltys, all of Omaha, and niece Michele Lord of Lincoln.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Richard, infant daughter Elizabeth, and one great-granddaughter, Lennon Jo Mork.

VISITATION: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the West Center Chapel, with family present. GRAVESIDE SERVICE AND INTERMENT: Sunday, August 14th at 12:00 noon at Assumption Catholic Church Cemetery in Dwight, Nebraska.