Dennis "Denny" Dean Hamilton

Dennis “Denny” Dean Hamilton, age 78, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at his farm in Riverton, Nebraska. He was born on December 7, 1947, to Kenneth D. and Pauline G. (Schmidt) Hamilton.

Denny grew up in Riverton with dirt on his boots and a deep love for the land that stayed with him throughout his life. As a boy, he came home from school every day determined to start an old hand-crank tractor, having been told he could drive it if he ever got it running. That determination became a defining part of who he was.

Not long after, Denny mastered the local pool hall, where he earned time at the table by cleaning floors. It was there that he learned to outplay just about anyone, sometimes even using a mop handle as a cue stick, a trick he’d bring out whenever a game got a little too serious.

Denny graduated from Franklin Public High School and later served in the Army National Guard. After returning home, he married the love of his life, Donna. Of all the loves in Denny’s life, he had the most love for his family. In 1983, they moved to Franklin, where their home became a place filled with laughter and many gatherings of family and friends.

Farming was his foundation, but speed and engines were his passion. Denny loved building things that went fast and had an incredible ability to fix just about anything. He was especially proud of his purple race car, “Double-Aught,” driven by Fuzzy Hudson in the 1970s. Years later, he shared that same passion with his son Brock, building another winning car together in the 1990s. Those memories meant just as much to him as the trophies. Denny also enjoyed playing golf, especially because it was something he shared with his family, and he faithfully played every Thursday with his group of friends.

Denny was the kind of husband, father, grandfather, and friend who would drop everything to help someone in need. Whether he was fixing a car, clearing a fallen tree, lending a hand, or simply sitting down to listen, he was always there. His kindness wasn’t loud, but it was steady and sincere—and it left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Donna (Weber) Hamilton; his children, Beau Hamilton, Brock Hamilton, and Bettina (and Chad) Krueger; and his grandson, Charles Krueger. He is also survived by his siblings, Gary (Sylvia) Hamilton and Donna Fidler. He was preceded in death by his parents and by two children, Justin Hamilton and Dennis Hamilton Jr., as well as his brother-in-law Jerry Fidler.

Denny will be remembered for his work ethic, his willingness to help, and the deep love he had for his family. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be on Friday, February 06, 2026 at Hutchins Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Family will be greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 07, 2026 at Congregational United Church of Christ, Franklin, Nebraska with Pastor Jay Towell officiating the service. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Franklin, Nebraska and following the committal service a luncheon will be served at the Congregational United Church of Christ. 

Memorials may be made to the Franklin County Historical Society in care of Hutchins Funeral Home, PO Box 252, Franklin, Nebraska 68939. 

Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska assisted the Hamilton family with these arrangements.