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 George Dahmm was one of those people. He was the kind of man who
cared for others more than himself and would have given all that he
had to someone he thought needed it worse.
In fact, he did give all that he had: his talents as a builder of
homes, a carpenter and a gardener. He gave all he knew to those who
needed it: the families whose lives are changed by Habitat for
Humanity.
He also gave of himself in other arenas. As a cancer survivor for
quite some time, he was involved in a support group for those who
were fighting cancer. He spoke of that a few years ago, saying it
was the kind of group a cancer patient needed because the group
looked at their disease honestly. They were able to talk about the
things going on with their bodies, and he said what helped the most
was to learn that they were not alone. For George, that was
important, that no one go through a hard time alone.
Perhaps that is what kept him for so many years at the forefront
in Habitat for Humanity. The program is geared to help families who
were struggling to keep themselves together. For many of them, the
prospect of owning a home was the one thing they needed to keep them
plowing forward even when times were tough.
Perhaps another thing that kept them plowing forward was knowing
they had George in their corner.
George's career as a volunteer for Habitat began in 1992. He and
his brother, Wallace, were home builders in Lincoln and Logan
County. They had purchased some ground in the city and had planned
on building homes on it, but then their circumstances changed. They
decided to retire and donate the ground to the newly forming Habitat
group.
George spoke about this with LDN in 2009, saying Bill Sahs was
just getting Habitat off the ground in 1992. Sahs graciously
accepted the donation of the lots but also asked that George lead
the next build on that lot.
For George, the rest was history, as he stayed with the
organization and in his time helped with the construction of 13
homes for Habitat.
In his mid-80s he decided that he was done building, but he was a
long way from being done with Habitat. The organization had begun
selling produce in the summer months as a fundraiser to help support
their work.
Vegetable stands were first set up in parking lots along Woodlawn
Road, until the group built a small shed on Woodlawn Road next to
the Regions Bank drive-thru.
George spent many hours helping at the stand, but he also worked
in the gardens for Habitat. Matt Greime, the manager at Big R in
Lincoln, was fond of gardening and planted a large garden every
year, donating much of the produce to Habitat. George spent time,
along with other Habitat volunteers, helping in the garden.
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He was always on hand at the Habitat groundbreaking ceremonies
and always there for the house blessings as well.
George wasn't a loud man, but he stood out. Part of it was his
look, slight in build with a remarkable white beard and twinkling
eyes. But the most important part of him was his manner. He was
kind, thoughtful, hardworking and always to the point.
"What I will always remember about George," said Stacie Wachtel, a
fellow Habitat member, "is his relentless dedication to Habitat for
Humanity and the thousands of hours he spent running the produce
stand and warehouse. His will be tough shoes to fill."
In 2009, Habitat decided they wanted to recognize George in a
special way. They wanted to name an intersection in the city of
Lincoln "George Dahmm Corner." However, George wouldn't hear of it.
He had dedicated many hours to Habitat, but what started it all for
him was that donation of the lot that belonged to him and his
brother.
Habitat agreed that both Dahmms could be recognized, so they
named the corner "Habitat Dahmm Corner."
At that time Toni Reifsteck, who was the president of Habitat,
spoke about George, saying: "We wanted to honor George because he is
'Mr. Habitat.' He carries Habitat in his heart, and I believe the
only thing in the world that means more to him is his family."
Habitat Dahmm Corner is located at North Hamilton and Lincoln
Avenue, and while it has always been a tribute to George Dahmm and
his brother, Wallace, perhaps now it is more important than ever,
because it serves as a reminder of who we should be.
If we can give of ourselves and not ask for anything in return --
no glory, no praise, no riches or fame; if we can live our daily
lives looking for some small way to make someone else's life better;
then we will be living a Dahmm life, and that will be the greatest
tribute of all.
[By NILA SMITH]
Obituary:
George
Dahmm
Feb. 21, 1926-April 6, 2012
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