Hans Hamm, who was a longtime co-owner, business manager and advertising director of The Waukesha Freeman, was born on April 1, 1924, in Milwaukee to Victor Carl and Pearl Morgan Hamm. He attended Riverside High School before majoring in engineering at the University of Wisconsin, now known as UW-Madison. It was at the UW that Hamm met his future wife, Joan Youmans.
Following a brief engineering career, Hans joined The Freeman, where Joan’s mother, Josephine Youmans, was then publisher. He held several positions at the newspaper, including business manager and advertising director. Hans and Joan also were among the co-owners of the newspaper, until 1979, when the Youmans, Wellford and Hamm families sold the newspaper to the Des Moines Register and Tribune Co.
Hans was a strong believer in giving back to his community, serving several years on the Waukesha Memorial Hospital board and heading up the United Way fund drive. He also served as president of the Waukesha YMCA.
Hans died Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, in Waukesha. He was 95.
