Joyce Yen, a 1991 graduate of Hastings High School, recently received the University of Washington David B. Thorud Leadership Award. Dr. Yen is the program and research manager for the University's ADVANCE program. The goal of this National Science Foundation-funded program is to increase participation of women faculty in science, technology, engineering and math. 
- William 'Bill' Upton, a 1944 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2013. He married Iva Mae Thompson in 1947 and she preceded him in death. In 1985, he married Betty Drennan Squires.
- Marvin D. Kerr, a 1952 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2013. He worked his entire life with his brother at their father's plastic company, Kerrco Plastics Inc. He was a lifetime member of First St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where he was on the church board, an usher, Sunday school teacher and reader. He was past president of the Hastings Jaycees and was instrumental in starting the Midget Footbal program in Hastings. He also served on the Hastings Corporation Board and was a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 200.
- Sharon Wynn Nixon, a 1961 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2013. After high school she attended Hastings Beauty Academy, graduating in 1963. Sharon married Robert L. Nixon on June 7, 1964, at First Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hastings. The couple made their home in Hastings where they lived and started their family and in 1978 they moved to North Platte. Sharon worked for Maronello Beauty Shop and the Good Samaritan Beauty Shop in Hastings before moving to North Platte where she worked at the Pawnee Beauty Shop, A Street Hair Company and The Hairdressers until her retirement in 1995. She was a member of First Lutheran Church, a past member of the Eagles Auxiliary in North Platte. Her hobbies included bowling, knitting, crossword puzzles and a strong love for animals.
- Rosemarie Frisch North, a 1939 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2013. After high school she attended Business College and married Tom North. They made their home in Hastings and then following her retirement, they moved to Republican City, NE where her husband was the Postmaster. They returned to Hastings after he retired. In 2011 Rosemarie moved to Norfolk after her husband died. She was a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Hastings.
- James Reeve, a 1957 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on April 4, 2013. During High School, Jim worked at the Hastings Museum. He was also active in Boy Scouts from Cub through Explorers. He obtained the rank of Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society, and was a volunteer at the 1957 Boy Scout Jamboree with his Dad. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served as a 2nd Class Petty Officer, Intercommunications Electrician aboard the USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) from 1958 to 1961. Jim was honorably discharged and received a Good Conduct Medal. While in the service, he reunited with his high school sweetheart, Alice Roth. They were married on June 4, 1960, in Hastings but lived in Long Beach, CA, until they moved back in 1962 where Jim worked at Hastings Irrigation. In 1969, they moved to San Diego, CA, to raise their three children. While his sons were young, Jim was an enthusiastic member of the YMCA’s Indian Guides program, a father-son organization. Jim worked in the field of Marketing Communications until he retired. In retirement, he enjoyed photography, wood art, wood carving and especially woodturning. He was a member of the San Diego Woodturners Association.
- Ann Lamphier Hinrichs, a 1960 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. She received her degree in Pharmacy from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, where she was one of two female members in the class of 1965. Ann was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island. She enjoyed music and was a life-long piano player. She loved her work and never knew a stranger. She had a zest for life and her presence will be missed by all. Her gentle words of wisdom with a healthy dose of laughter inspired her daughter every day and she will tie a yellow ribbon around the proverbial Old Oak Tree waiting to welcome her beloved husband.
- James 'Jim' Jugert, a 1965 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Friday, April 5, 2013, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Jim receieved his Associate Degree from technical college in Omaha. He was employed at Nebraska Public Power District in Ogallala, North Platte, and Hastings; Tri States Generation and Transmission in Colorado; and Western Area Power Administration (US Department of Energy) in North Dakota and also in South Dakota. He enjoyed the great outdoors, hunting, fishing, boating, camping, gardening, and traveling. Some of Jim's most cherished memories were family gatherings.
- Angela Jacoby, a 1992 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2013. Angie, born in Hastings on November 13, 1970, was the daughter of Steve and Pat (Walker) Jacoby. She was born with Spina Bifida and had numerous health issues early and throughout her life, but her disabilities never defined her. At the age of four, she was named the poster child for the March of Dimes. She attended Hastings Public Schools and she graduated from Hastings High School in 1992. As a young person, she participated in Special Olympics and received numerous awards in swimming, wheelchair racing, bowling and other sporting events. Following graduation, she moved to Quality Living, Inc. in Omaha, which afforded her a wonderful life and numerous opportunities to socialize and become involved in activities such as wheelchair ballet, attending numerous concerts and operas, attending Nebraska football games, attending Easter Seals Summer Camp, and graduating from a college sponsored clown class. She loved to dress as a clown and entertain children. Her church family at St. Leo Catholic Church was especially important to her. She served as a teacher’s assistant and secretary’s assistant at St. Leo, and she volunteered for the church’s summer vacation Bible school. Her enthusiasm for volunteering led to her involvement with the Immanuel Day Care program and Good Samaritan Village where she helped with bingo and shared her time with residents. Angie’s greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her two nieces, Abigail and Madeline. She loved to travel and she traveled with her family to Disneyland, Disney World, Canada, cruised the Carribean and Mexico, visited Las Vegas and took numerous trips to New England to visit her brother’s family. She also loved to stay in contact with her family and friends by using the latest technology, and it was very common to receive a phone call, text, email, Facebook message or Skype request from her during the day. Her love for her family and friends was evident by the way in which she lived her life, and she was a true blessing to those who knew and loved her.
- Agnes Gasch Anderson, a 1926 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2013. Agnes taught for 31 years, the last 20 years she taught English but mostly Latin at Hastings Middle School and High School. She was an active 91 year member of the First United Methodist Church and the church circle groups; PEO Chapter FH; member and Past Matron of the Acacia Chapter #39 of Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, DAR, Delta Kappa Gamma teachers sorority; and she volunteered at the Hastings Museum for over 25 years. She will be remembered for her love of students and her quest for knowledge, but most of all her kindness and zest for living. She remained enthusiastic and young at heart her entire life. Agnes’ love for her family was immeasurable. She was happiest when she was living life with her family and she especially cherished the time spent with her grandchildren.
- Eugene Hicks, a 1946 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2013. He worked at the Hastings Tribune before moving to California where he worked at the Los Angeles Times for 40 years.
- Florence 'Flossie' Spencer Saathoff, a 1940 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Monday, March 11, 2013. She was a homemaker and owned and operated Saathoff Home Furnishings with her husband. She was a member of First St. Paul's Lutheran Church, was a Girl Scout and 4-H Leader, an officer with the Women's Bowling Association, Altrusia, YWCA Board Member, and started Hastings Parkinson's Support Organization where she received an honorary plaque for her years of service. She was involved in several card groups and was active in several church activities. Flossie enjoyed fishing, flower gardening, and being around and having conversations with people.
- Robert 'Bob' Thaut, a 1946 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2013. Bob served in the Army from 1950-1952. Bob was in the auto body repair business for over fifty years. He owned and operated Thaut’s Body Shop from 1961-2007. Bob liked the outdoors, fishing, hunting and especially camping in the Black Hills. He also enjoyed traveling to visit family. Bob was a member of New York Avenue Congregational Church.
- Heather Desbien Sizemore, a 1989 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Wednesday, February 6, 2013. She worked at Aramark Catering in the dietary department. She loved to bake, paint ceramics, and be around the family dog.
- Dorothy HicksSultzer, 95, passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2013. She worked as a phone operator for the Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph. She enjoyed spoiling her many grandchildren, playing cards and drinking coffee.
- Michael Harris, 53, passed away on Thursday, February 14, 2013. After graduating from Hastings High School with athletic honors he attended Doane College. Michael had a truly unique and fun-loving soul that shined upon everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He cherished the time he spent with his family and friends. He also enjoyed restoring houses, cars, and boats. He was loved and talented and smart and funny and will be so deeply missed.
- Merwyn Valentine, a 1942 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Thursday, February 14, 2013. He attended Business College in Hastings and then began work at Foote Oil where he stayed for numerous years. He then started his career at the Hastings Utilities as a Meter Reader, Lineman, Line Foreman, and finally as the Electrical Superintendent until his retirement. Merwyn was a member of First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Past Master of Hastings Masonic Lodge #50 A.F. & A.M., York Rite Hastings Chapter #21, Hastings Council #8, Mt. Nebo Commandery #11, Knight York Cross of Honor, Scottish Rite, Tehama Shrine, past Potentate (1985), 50 year member of the Masons, and lifetime member of the Eagles.
- Charlene Bowers Benner, a 1952 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2013. After graduation, she married and made her home in Omaha, Nebraska, and later in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she was astay-at-home Mom. In the 1970's, Char discovered a passion for the real estate profession, beginning as a real estate closer, and later moving into sales. She took personal pride in each sale, as it was about “finding a home for a family”, not selling a house. Upon her retirement in 2002, Char chose to return to her hometown. She filled her days bringing joy to her friends and neighbors at Goldbeck Towers by planning social activities, fundraising, planning group holiday dinners, and teaching her favorite card game, bridge.
- Marjorie Stonecypher Schwenk, a 1954 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2013. Marjorie was a lifelong resident of Hastings. She was a member of the Lakeside Community Church of the Nazarene where she served as Sunday School Secretary for over 30 years, Church Treasurer for over 20 years, and as the Missions Study Chairwoman since 1972. Marjorie was employed by Foote Equipment Company (Big G Ace Hardware) in Hastings for 55 years until 2009.
- Reta Bienhoff Norton, a 1979 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Wednesday, February 6, 2013. She attended the University of South Carolina and University of Nebraska Kearney. Reta married Bradley Gene Norton on March 7, 1981, at All Saints Chapel at Good Samaritan Village in Hastings, Nebraska. She served in the United States Air Force from November 28, 1977, until November 30, 1997. Reta was an Air Force medic and retired as a Technical Sergeant. She received the Humanitarian Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Air Force Commendation Medal. Reta was currently serving as the Loyal Knight of the Hastings B.P.O. Elks Lodge #159. She was the Hastings Lodge Chair of the Veterans Programs and the State Chair of the Elks Army of Hope. She was the Elks State Lodge Officer of the Year in 2011-2012 and Elks State Veterans Service Commission Volunteer of the Year in 2011-2012. Reta was a member of Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 1999, they moved from Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina to Hastings.
- Mabel Smith Shafer, a 1932 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Thursday, February 7, 2013. She worked at PBX and was a receptionist at the Hastings Regional Center. She was a clerk at the Hastings Post Office during WWII. She worked at Brock Thompson Department Store and she was a clerk in the admissions office at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital. She also worked at the Foote and Anderson Medical Office for Herb Anderson, Business Supply Company, Office of the Superintendent for Hastings Public Schools, and the Little Blue NRD Hastings office. She had also worked in California from 1967 to 1968 at Craft Tile Co and DCAS office. She sold Avon and volunteered at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital in the “Pink Ladies” Auxiliary.
- Mary Lamborn Stutzman, a 1971 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Wednesday, February 6, 2013. Mary was a homemaker and a member of V.F.W. Auxiliary, Eagles, and Elks Club. She enjoyed golfing, traveling, Nebraska football, Pittsburg Steelers football, and her dog Duke.
- Melody S. Buck, a 1967 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Sunday, January 27, 2013. After graduation, she attended Hastings College and was interested in teaching Pre-School and taught Sunday school at her church. Melody served as a delegate for the Nebraska Democratic Party. She was a member of the United Lutheran Church, Nebraskan's for Peace, and worked with many different environmental groups.
- Terri (Sinner) Ingram, a 1973 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Friday, January 25, 2013 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Terri was a homemaker, in home childcare provider, and owned and operated Celebrate Balloonery. She was a member of First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
- Richard Barth, a 1937 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Friday, January 11, 2013. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1941-1945 in the European Theatre. He was a letter carrier at the Hastings Post Office for 30 years. He was a member of First St. Paul's Lutheran Church, the American Legion, the National Association of Letter Carriers and a lifetime member of the VFW.
- Vernon Kehn, a 1953 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on Monday, January 7, 2012. He was a member of the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE), Elks Club and Eagles in Hastings. He also was a past member of Southern Hills Golf Course and Chorus of the Plains. He loved golfing, bowling, and playing board games with the children. He loved to read, do crosswords, work in the yard and was proud of his yard and especially his roses. He loved being with the family and the grandkids. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.
