Duane Francis Hamm

SOUTH SIOUX CITY — Duane Francis Hamm, 78, of South Sioux City, passed away Nov. 20, 2018, while surrounded by his family at his residence.

Visitation was Nov. 23, at Mohr Funeral Home, South Sioux City. Services were Nov. 24 at United Methodist Church, Wausa.

Duane was born Jan. 9, 1940, in Wayne, to Benjamin Orville Hamm and Muriel Lavern Hagelstein.

Duane graduated from Osmond Public School in 1957.  He loved sports and lettered in Football and Track.  During

his senior year, he was voted “Honorary Co-Captain” by the team.  Duane worked two summers on a ranch in Wyoming after graduating.  He enjoyed a long softball career, pitching on various teams for 25 years.

He met Sharon Jacob in January 1958.  They were married Dec. 29, 1960, in the Bloomfield Methodist Church.

Duane began a long career in the newspaper business in seventh grade at the Osmond Republican.  He worked at the Wakefield Republican and the Wayne Herald before purchasing The Wausa Gazette.  After a brief waterbed business, he managed the Yankton Printing Company, a part of the Yankton Daily Press.  He wrote a weekly column for the Norfolk Daily News and delivered regional Shoppers for many years after retiring.

Duane participated in a number of organizations that brought him great fellowship, support, and friendship.  He often spoke of the great people from Bloomfield, Al-Anon, Senior Citizens, Country Music Association, and Great Plains Presbyterian Pilgrimage.  

He spent the last five years sharing life with special friend, Beverly Maiso-Bates.  They especially loved weekly country music jams.

Duane is survived by four daughters, Jeana Hamm (Susan Niederhauser), Teresa Rotherham (Terry), Michelle Bloomquist (David), and Kelly Rojas (the late Danny Rojas).  Duane loved his grandchildren, Emily Hamm, Megan Hamm, Elizabeth Jasper, Sam Jasper, Matthew Rotherham, Michael Rotherham, Dustin Bloomquist, Jordan Bloomquist, Kristin Vossler, Johnny Janda, Stephanie Janda, and Andrew Janda.  He is also survived by his precious great-grandchildren, Emma and Delaney Bloomquist, Austin and Adrianne Kennedy; and brother-in-law, Ramon Lush; and his faithful dog, Rascal.

Duane was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; parents and grandparents; son-in-law, Danny Rojas; younger sister, Twila Edwards Lush; aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Duane’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital.