Fayrene L. Hamouz

Fayrene L. Hamouz was born on June 6, 1946, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Edward B. and Leona E.I. Lockhorn (Jakub). She grew up in Ravenna, Nebraska, as the eldest sister of Lucille, Gary, and Janice. After attending a one-room schoolhouse for grade school, she graduated as valedictorian from Ravenna High School in 1964.

Fayrene moved to Lincoln to study at the University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL), where she earned a B.S. in Food & Nutrition, an M.S. in Human Nutrition & Food Service Management, and a Ph.D. in Animal Science/Meat Science. She began her career managing residence hall food services at the University of Iowa and then UNL before moving into academia, where she taught Hospitality and Food Service Management and served as Associate Dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences (now known as the College of Nutrition and Health Sciences). Fayrene directed 10 M.S. Theses and was instrumental in establishing the Culinary Science (Culinology®) degree program at UNL.

Beyond teaching, Fayrene made lasting contributions to Nebraska’s restaurant and food service industry. She played an active role in the Education Foundation of the Nebraska Restaurant Association (now known as the Nebraska Hospitality Association), leading the national program for high school culinary competitions across the state of Nebraska. In recognition of her long-term dedication to hospitality, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nebraska Restaurant Association in 2016 and was inducted into the Omaha Hospitality Hall of Fame in 2005.

Fayrene retired as Emeritus Associate Professor of the Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences at UNL. In retirement, she enjoyed keeping in touch with colleagues and students, celebrating their successes and sharing in their journeys. She never missed a night without speaking to her baby sister, Janice. A devout Catholic throughout her life, Fayrene found daily comfort in praying the rosary and often time praying along with the Holy Rosary from Lourdes.

Fayrene is preceded in death by her husband, Myron, and her parents. Fayrene is survived by her only child, Michelle, and Michelle’s husband, Bobby, who held a very special place in her heart. Fayrene is also survived by her three siblings and their families.

The family will receive visitors Monday, April 13, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ, Lincoln, NE, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., preceded by a Rosary at 10:00 a.m. Private interment.