David J Hamer
January 16, 1930 – August 23, 2023
Dave Hamer was born January 16, 1930, in Wayne, Nebraska. He studied Business Administration at his local State College. Drawn early on to journalism, he began writing a community newsletter when he was 8 years old. At the age of 12, Dave acquired a typewriter and was able to increase his distribution, charging a penny a copy.
Dave spent nearly 40 years in news photojournalism. He covered stories in 40 of the 50 States, and in ten foreign countries, including two war zones, Vietnam in the 1960s, and the First Iraq War in 1991. Dave’s broadcast career began at KVTV, Sioux City, and he subsequently assisted in putting KETV, Omaha, on the air.
He spent many years at KMTV and WOWT in Omaha. He also did considerable contract work for NBC News. His talents led to an extensive range of freelance writing and production; major clients included Union Pacific and Omaha Public Power District.
Dave served as an officer in many professional organizations including terms as President of the Omaha Press Club, the Nebraska News Photographers Association, and the National Press Photographers Association.
For ten years Dave enjoyed teaching TV News Video at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He was a Trustee of two journalism foundations that grant scholarships to university students.
In retirement Dave remained active, writing a weekly historical essay read by more than 650 friends throughout the U.S., Canada and Guam. He also volunteered with the Red Cross driving the Bloodmobile for more than 25 years in Nebraska and Iowa.
Dave was married to Verla Elliott for 61 years, sadly losing her companionship in 2013. They had two sons. Dennis passed in 2002. Roger is a News Producer/Photojournalist at WOWT Channel 6 in Omaha and also teaches at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Dave appreciated family and his Welsh heritage. He remained close to distant relatives there as well as family members in California. Roger, his wife, Patti, and their children, Constance (Derrick Schoening), and Michael (Elizet) are grateful for the time they were able to spend with Dave. He was a fantastic grandfather and a very proud great-grandfather to Elizabeth and Sofia.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, September 1, 2023, from 1:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m. at Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuary at 7805 West Center Rd. in Omaha. At 1:30 p.m. a seven-minute video will be shown, then Rose Ann Shannon and John Prescott will recount some of their favorite memories of Dave. Anyone who wishes to share a reminiscence is welcome to do so. The gathering will be fluid with guests welcome to come and leave as suits their schedules. The mortuary will stream the observance on their site heafeyheafey.com/live-cast for 30 days.
Memorial gifts may be directed to the Omaha Press Club Foundation or the Omaha Chapter of the Red Cross.
7 Comments
Dave held a special place in my heart. He taught me how to be a video journalist, but most importantly he taught me how to be a kind human being. Dave and I worked together at WOWT TV, and we were both involved in the NPPA together. I was blessed to have visited with Dave in late May. 2023 was a tough year for him, but he meet those challenges head on. He was a friend and mentor who I will miss greatly.
Dave held a special place in my heart. He taught me how to be a video journalist, but most importantly he taught me how to be a kind human being. Dave and I worked together at WOWT TV, and we were both involved in the NPPA together. I was blessed to have visited with Dave in late May. 2023 was a tough year for him, but he meet those challenges head on. He was a friend and mentor who I will miss greatly.
– Ray Meints
My condolences, Roger – to you and your family.
I’m still in shock that he’s gone. In an industry where ego could grow very rapidly, Dave was none of that. He was always the same. He was a loving and caring person even in retirement. I used to speak with him from time to time and now I will miss him greatly. My sincere condolences to you Roger and your family. He will not soon be forgotten. God bless! Bruce Prenosil
Dave was a great friend and one of the best photojournalism instructors UNO ever had. Fortunately for the students his son Roger succeeded his dad on the part-time communication faculty.
My sincere condolences to Roger and family. Dave hired me as an intern at KMTV,and I had the distinct pleasure to work, learn and grow my career with him for many years. A true gentleman, Dave always had an encouraging word for everyone in the newsroom. I will always remember his mentorship at the News Video Workshop. A great newsman, teacher and friend,
.
Dear Hamer Family, I am sorry for your loss. We were all blessed to have met a great man like Dave.
Sign Guestbook