Alumni Obituaries

The HPS Foundation has generated the following obituaries from the Hastings Tribune.  Click on the year for a list of alumni who passed away in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011.  If you have an obituary that you would like shared, please email us at hpsfoundation@hpstigers.org.

• Sherry A.(Stec)  Harsh, a 1964 Hastings High graduate, passed away on June 1, 2025.  In her professional career she was very successful in direct home sales where she started a business called Princess House Crystal. The business grew and ultimately led Sherry to being a home sales director for western Kansas and Nebraska. In 1985, she joined her brother in a new business venture in starting a restaurant in Minden, Nebraska that would become known as SHEA’s.

• Paulette Pool,  a 1965 Hastings High graduate,  passed on peacefully June 7, 2025.  Paulette worked from 1976 to 1977 at Allen’s in Hastings and then in 1977 started working for Hastings Community Development. In 1978, she became the executive director of the Hastings Housing Authority. After 35 years as director, she retired in 2013.

• Wayne August Katzberg,  a 1950  Hastings High graduate, passed away Sunday, May 25, 2025.  He served in the United States Navy and worked for Weyerhaeuser Company for 25 years then worked for the State Department of Roads for over 25 years until he retired..

• James E. “Jim” Koontz II,  a 1970  Hastings High graduate, passed away Sunday,, September 22, 2024.  Jim taught and was head boys basketball coach for many schools, including Giltner, Ashland, Clay Center, KS, Springview, and Hershey.  He was the principal at Stanton and Lawrence/Nelson. Jim was the superintendent at Newman Grove and East Butler Public Schools where he retired from education.  He became a licensed Methodist minister at All Parish in Ansley, Litchfield and Loup City. Retiring in Hastings.

• Leslie “Les” Harms, a  1951 Hastings High graduate, passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2025.  Les’s career spanned 41 years as an educator while working as a teacher, principal and counselor with students in Kenesaw, Oxford, and Hastings Public Schools. He was also active in his community serving on the board of directors of the Archway Corvette club, Board of Directors of the regional Oliver farm equipment club, president of the Hastings Community Concert Association, Board of Directors of the Adams County Historical Society, board of directors of the Bridge, and was a member of the Kiwanis service group. He also coached his church’s elementary basketball team to a state championship.  Les enjoyed many interests, one of which was a strong interest in aviation, which led him to being president of the Hastings Airport Authority, and president of the Experimental Aircraft Association, chapter 544, in Hastings.

• Timothy J. Boyd, a 1968 Hastings High graduate, passed away on February 22, 2025. He  worked for S.S. Kresge Corporation and later as a stockbroker for Merrill Lynch.  In the early 1980s, Tim returned to Hastings to help his mother and brothers with the family business at Hastings Pepsi. He remained in Hastings until retiring and moving to Arizona in 2015.  Tim was strongly dedicated to his work, community, and family. Along with being a co-owner of Hastings Pepsi, he was involved in the community through numerous organizations and local boards. He served on the Mary Lanning Hospital Board, Hastings College Board of Trustees, and the Wells Fargo Bank Board. Tim was also an active member and past president of the Hastings Rotary Club.

• Saralee Jean (Schlagenhauff) Moffatt (Susie), a 1950 Hastings High graduate,  passed away on January 29, 2025.  She attended nursing school.

• Steven Craig Koch, a Hastings High graduate, passed away on May 14, 2025.  He joined the United States Air Force and served his country for four years.   Steve’s career at Maytag in Newton, IA lasted 30 years.

• Larry Douglas Schmidt,  a 1966 Hastings High graduate,passed away Saturday, May 24, 2025.  Larry held various jobs, including Farmland Industries, an electrician, a maintenance man at Good Samaritan Village and owner of Schmidt Construction. He retired at age 75.

• Curtis D. Fry, a 1978 Hastings High graduate, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025. He enlisted in the Army National Guard, where he continued to serve until 1985 and worked various jobs, Bimbo Bakery being his longest venture until they closed in 2016. While there, he participated in the workers union, being the union president at one point.  As most know, Curtis’ biggest calling was being a baker. He loved to bake cakes, turtle rolls, Christmas candies and lots of other sweet treats. They were always delicious and something the family looked forward to during the holidays

• Fred Joseph Hyde, a 1970 Hastings High graduate, passed on May 2, 2025.  Fred worked in insurance, real estate, and was a property owner.

• Victoria Ann (Fisk) Nieves, a 2000 Hastings High graduate, passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2025.  She worked for Papa John’s Pizza, Evelyn’s, Gordmans and Dick’s Sporting Goods in Grand Island, Adidas in Lahaina, HI, and many others.

• Eugene Allen Stadler, a 1951 Hastings High graduate, passed away on April 14, 2025.  He served in the United States Air Force and had a long career with the Social Security Administration.  He retired in 1995 and began his second career as a long-term care insurance specialist for Phares Financial Services.

• Karen M. Ransom, a 1964 Hastings High graduate, passed away Sunday, April 20, 2025.   She worked in retail sales for Gibsons and Kmart, retiring in 2008.

• Jerry J. Post, a 1967 Hastings High graduate, passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2025.  He served five years in the U.S. Air Force and 30+ years on the Hastings Police Department, retiring on November 11, 2003. After retiring from the Police Department, he worked for NAPA in Hastings for 15 years delivering auto parts.

• Sherill Perdew, a 1968 Hastings High graduate, passed away on March 23, 2025.  She was married and had two children.

• James A. “Jim” Maurer, a  Hastings High attendee, passed away Friday, March 28, 2025.  He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam from 1969 to 1970 and was a mechanic at Karnes Auto Repair for over 40 years.

• Lafayette F. “Lafe” Anderson Jr., a 1949 Hastings High graduate, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025. He worked until he retired at Morrison & Quirk Corporation and Morrison Enterprises.

• Ronald Glen Brown, a 1958 Hastings High graduate,  passed away Monday, March 17, 2025. He served in the U.S. Navy and retired from Thermo King.

• Clara Louise Goodrich, a 1950 Hastings High graduate, passed away March 12, 2025.  She was a music therapist and the music therapy supervisor from 1976-1993 at Larned State Hospital in Kansas and also volunteered with non-English-speaking patients there.

• Sandra “Sandy” Lea Williams, a 1971 Hastings High graduate, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025.  She began working as a carhop at Johnny’s and a cashier at Allen’s Grocery in high school. Sandy was employed at Dillard’s for over 35 years in Grand Island and enjoyed meeting all the customers.

• Daniel L. “Dan” Fischer, a 1967 Hastings High graduate, passed away Friday, February 28, 2025.  Dan served in the United States Army from May of 1968 to October of 1969.  Dan worked for Dutton Lainson in the punch press and dye cast department from 1970-2009.

• Arnold F. Stromer, a 1971 Hastings High graduate,  passed away Friday, February 28, 2025.  Arnold worked as a motorcycle and small engine mechanic.

• Rodney Kent Johnson, a 1973 Hastings High graduate, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025.  He worked as an automobile technician.

• Shirley Ann (Smiley) Streck, a 1950 Hastings High graduate, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2025.  Shirley worked at Mode O’Day in Hastings for 41 years and  also worked at Herbergers until her retirement.

• William R. Anderson, a 1956 Hastings High graduate, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025.  He was employed by Colorado Academy in Denver, CO, from 1963 to 1966, and Denver University from 1966 to 1967. Then he managed a travel agency in Newport Beach, CA, for a year in 1968. In May of 1968, William returned to Hastings and joined the Western Land Roller Co. He was employed by Western Land Roller as a regional sales manager, distributor sales manager, and then farm equipment product manager. William became a pilot in 1969 and flew numerous aircraft for business purposes, accumulating over 4,000 flight hours. He owned and managed Hastings Skyways, the FBO for Hastings Airport from 1980 to 1984. Selling the flight business in 1984, he worked for several companies as a manufacturer’s representative for Nebraska, Colorado and South Dakota. He retired from active business in 2003 but maintained farming and investment interests.

• Richard Lee Gildersleeve, passed away Tuesday, February 4.  He worked at Hastings Industries for most of his working life and then worked for Good Samaritan Village until his retirement.

• Janice Dorret (Jaco) Kauf, a 1951 Hastings High graduate, passed away February 6, 2025.  She attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where she was a member of Alpha Phi sorority.

• Kathryn J. “Jane” (Anderson) Johnson,  a 1955 Hastings High graduate, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025.  She to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she graduated with a degree in music. Jane was one of the very few people who could say that she had perfect pitch and was an accomplished pianist.  She was involved in numerous organizations in the Hastings community. Those organizations included the First Presbyterian Church where she served as a deacon and elder, Chapter G PEO, Infant Welfare Club, Child Development Council, YWCA, Hastings Foundation, George Elliott Book Club, Mary Lanning Hospital Auxiliary, Healthy Beginnings and the Hastings Public Library.

• Sharon (Sheeré) Ruth (Bassett) Gleason,  a 1956 Hastings High graduate, passed away on February 8, 2025.  Sheeré enrolled in the American School of Dance on Hollywood Boulevard. She returned to Hastings in 1962 and began teaching dance to students of all ages throughout mid-Nebraska.  Her career as a dance instructor and choreographer lasted for almost 70 years, most of that time being in Grand Island at the YWCA. Sheeré’ taught hundreds of dance students and loved it!

• Debra L. McCord-Willy, a 1983 Hastings High graduate, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2025. She moved to Mesa, Arizona, in 1986 and graduated from the Independent Agents of Arizona Training School and became an insurance agent in 1987.

• Connie Kay Schifferns, a 1963 Hastings High graduate,  passed away on February 3, 2025. She worked at Gibsons as a bookkeeper while starting her family. Later in life, she worked at Apco as store manager before moving to Muskegon, MI and retiring from Lowes.

• Richard H. Theesen, a 1953 Hastings High graduate, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025.  He was married to E. Glennis (Gitt) Theesen from 1957 to 1982. In 1991, he married Roberta Ross.

• Barbara Jean (Scarborough) Schmidt, a 1971 Hastings High graduate, passed away January 21, 2025.  Barb worked several different office positions before retiring. She enjoyed visiting the mountains, reading, roller-skating, bowling, feeding and rescuing stray cats, and spoiling her granddaughter.

• Melissa Ann (Sperry) Eckhardt, a 1971 Hastings High graduate, passed away on December 26, 2024.  She held various jobs throughout her career, including positions at Safeco Title in Seattle, Thermo King in Hastings, and Adams County Planning and Zoning.

• LeRoy G. Harder, a 1952 Hastings High graduate, passed away Friday, January 3, 2025.  After graduation, he worked at the U.S. Naval Ammunition Depot in Hastings and the Hastings Airport.  In September 1952, he started Telegrapher School in Pueblo, Colorado. In June 1953, he was hired as a telegrapher/depot agent with the Union Pacific Railroad.  They lived all over Kansas while LeRoy worked at many of the depots of the Union Pacific Railroad. In March 1961, he moved his family to Doniphan, where he worked as the depot agent until 1972. He then got “bumped” to work along the Union Pacific line from the Kansas/Nebraska border to North Platte and Omaha. They also worked for a year or two in St. Louis. In 1993, after working 40 years, LeRoy retired from the Union Pacific Railroad.  He was also a member of the Doniphan Volunteer Fire Department.  After he retired from the fire department he served as the fire chief.

• Michael James “Jim” Kraftzik, a 1971 Hastings High graduate, passed away Monday, January 13, 2025.  Over the years Jim worked for the Dutton Lainson Company, Pettit Auto and for 29 years at Hastings Utilities before retiring in 2019.

• John Orvil Barta, a 1960 Hastings High graduate, passed away Monday, January 13, 2025. He served in the U.S. Navy and worked in the maintenance department for Agtronics, Dana Corporation, and Big G.

• Phyllis (Marquardt) Faber, a 1947 Hastings High graduate, passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2025.  She worked at A. H. Jones Company. When her children were all enrolled in school, she went to work for Kealy Construction Co. and then was co-owner and secretary/treasurer with her husband at Faber Gas and Appliance Service for 28 years until retiring in 1991.

• Janet M. (Kirby) Powell, a 1968 Hastings High graduate, passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2025.  She cleaned houses for many years and had a love for dogs and donated generously to Start Over Rover.

• Arvelyn Mae Loudon, a 1954 Hastings High graduate, passed away Thursday, January 9, 2025.  She started working at Mary Lanning Healthcare for eight years and then went to work at Hastings Medical Lab for 25 years.  When the lab closed, she went to work at Snell Publishing for five years. Arvelyn went back to work for Mary Lanning Healthcare until her retirement at 73 years old.

• Jennifer A. Skinner, a 2013 Hastings High graduate, passed away Saturday, January 4, 2025. She attended Joseph’s College of Beauty. Jennifer loved spending time with her family, friends, art, and cats.

• Donnie G. Persinger, a 1978 Hastings High graduate, passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2025.  He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1978-1982. Donnie was an airline pilot for many years.

• Theodore Wayne “Ted” Shriver, a 1959 Hastings High graduate, passed away Friday, January 3, 2025.  He worked at Hastings Produce, Great Plains, and Hastings Industries. Ted’s passion for breaking horses and mules led to him being a founding member of Harness Hustlers Driving Team. His love for dogs led him to own Oregon Trail Kennels.

• Janice Carole (Kottwitz) Lukas, a 1957 Hastings High graduate, passed away on December 9, 2024.  She worked at City National Bank for 40 years, retiring in 2004 and also worked at Fonner Park and Queens City Downs during the racing season. She bowled in league many years and was a member of the 600 club.

• Kristene Elaine (Krueger) Moeller, a 1971 Hastings High graduate, passed away Saturday, December 14, 2024.  She owned her own insurance business helping people to file their health insurance claims then  moved to Colorado Springs in 1993, where she worked as the manager of a Weight Watchers Center, and was a surgery scheduler for 20 years. She retired in 2015.

• Dixie Darlene (Walker) Bohlen, a 1955 Hastings High graduate, passed away Thursday, December 19, 2024.  She worked at Kerr Chevrolet as a bookkeeper and switchboard operator. She also worked at Weyerhauser Co. where she did the payroll and invoices.

• Evelyn R.(Theesen) Dravland, a 1951 Hastings High graduate, passed away Sunday, December 22, 2024.  She was a homemaker and was a member of First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

• Gaylord “Ken” Kissell, a 1963 Hastings High graduate, passed away Monday, December 23, 2024.  He served in the U.S. Navy from March 1963 until July 1966. Gaylord worked as a control room operator for Hastings Utilities.

• Patricia Ann (Billings) “Pat” Kleiber, passed away Friday, December 27, 2024.  She was an elementary school teacher in Hastings until she retired in 2001.

• Thomas R. “Tom” Cafferty, a 1970 Hastings High graduate, passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2024.  He served in the United States Army and was a Realtor with The Real Estate Group in Hastings. He was an owner and operator of T-C Guttering for several years. Before working as a Realtor, he worked for 10 years at Farmland Industries Anhydrous Ammonia Plant. He was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ.

• John Buford Parsons Jr., a 1954 Hastings High graduate, passed away on November 24, 2024.  He studied motion picture and still photography at Brooks Institute of Film and Photography.

• Renee Lynn (Conner) Hoglund, a 1974 Hastings High graduate, passed away on December 10, 2024.  She worked various jobs after high school followed by a career of longevity at Hastings College. She then finished her working years at Oakeson Steiner Wealth and Retirement.

• Dale R. Ohlin, a 1956 Hastings High School graduate passed away on December 19, 2023 in Chandler, AZ. He moved to Arizona in 1977 and worked in the home building industry in the Phoenix area.

• Virginia (DeBord) Onken, 1950 Hastings High graduate, passed away Thursday, December 5, 2024.  She worked at Leverage Tool, as secretary for Immanuel Lutheran Church and with Mel, her husband, at the credit union, as needed. 

• Sharon L. (Lingelbach) Richardson, a 1961 Hastings High graduate, passed away December 6, 2024.  She worked for the Nebraska Department of Labor as an accountant and enjoyed the challenges of raising two boys and balancing a career.

• Albert “Dude” Buttell, a 1947 Hastings High graduate, passed away on November 29, 2024.He grew up in Hastings, Nebraska, and graduated from Hastings High School in 1947.  He served in the United States Army.  He worked for Union Pacific Railroad as a conductor until retirement in 1984 and was an insurance salesman.

• Merna M. (Oltman) Hanson, a Hastings High graduate, passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

• Kenneth Allen “Ken” Stein, a 1970 Hastings High graduate, passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2024.  He started Stein Manufacturing in 1976 following encouragement from Bob McClellan of McClellan Farm Equipment and developed the “Stein” Power Take-off. 

• Terry D. Ground, a Hastings High graduate, passed away Thursday, October 31, 2024.  Terry was employed at Centennial Plastics and worked there for many years.

•  Burnham, a 1970 Hastings High graduate, , passed away on October 26, 2024.  Throughout his career, Terry was known for his entrepreneurial spirit. He co-founded B&B Market with Michael Bruns in Hastings, Nebraska, and worked for ConAgra Foods.  He served as a key player at Culinary Standards in Kentucky from 2002 to 2014 and was employed at Recovery Inc. of Kentucky from 2016 until his passing.

•  Adele Fehr, a 1960 Hastings High graduate, passed away Monday, October 14, 2024.  She was employed as a secretary at Sutton Public Schools and later was a homemaker raising her three boys.

• Zachary Paul Rodriguez, a 2006  Hastings High graduate, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2024.He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in psychology. He had subsequent employment in social services and restaurants.

• Florence M. (Schmidt) Martin, a 1954  Hastings High graduate, passed away Thursday, October 10, 2024.  She was the supervisor in the business office for Hastings Utilities until she retired. Florence was a member of First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She was also a member of the Red Hot Red Hatters Club and the Adams County Genealogy Society.

• Marilyn L. Theesen, a 1963 Hastings High graduate, passed away Thursday, October 10, 2024.  She held a CPCU certification and worked as an insurance broker and partner at Ellerbrock Norris until she retired. Marilyn was a hard worker and continued to work and review contracts even after retirement.

• Patricia R. “Pat” (Hohlen) Junker, a 1956  Hastings High graduate, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.

• Elizabeth “Beth” Mary (Kleier) Stark, a 1957 Hastings High graduate, passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.  She married Robert Stark on May 5, 1963.

• James R. “Jim” Kissinger, a 1963 Hastings High graduate, passed away Sunday, September 29, 2024.  He worked as a lineman for Hastings Utilities, retiring in 2009.

• James E Koontz II, a 1970 Hastings High graduate, passed away on  September 22, 2024.  He taught and was head boys basketball coach for many schools, including Giltner, Ashland, Clay Center, KS, Springview, and Hershey. He was the principal at Stanton and Lawrence/Nelson. Jim was the superintendent at Newman Grove and East Butler Public Schools where he retired from education. He became a licensed Methodist minister at All Parish in Ansley, Litchfield, and Loup City.

• Maxine C. (VonKampen) Weseman,  a 1949 Hastings High graduate, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024.  

• Randy H Hurst, a 1973 Hastings High graduate, passed away on August 18, 2024.  He worked for Case New Holland for over 25 years, exemplifying hard work and dedication throughout his career. 

• Richard Dean Loudon, a 1962 Hastings High graduate, passed away on August 18, 2024.  He was employed as a truck driver for many years.

• Dr. Larry C. Wilson, a 1956 Hastings High graduate, passed away Thursday, August 8, 2024.  He served three years as a medical nurse in the U.S. Army. He was the director of the Drug and Alcohol Unit at the Hastings Regional Center where he worked for 44 years.

• William “Bill” Clair Schlachter, a 1966 Hastings high graduate, passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024. He served in the United State Navy and then was the Chief of Police in Sutton, NE, for one year. He then began his career with the Nebraska State Patrol in 1972.  He was assigned to Lincoln, Alliance, Chadron, Norfolk and then in 1982 to Grand Island. Bill retired from the State Patrol in 1998 as a lieutenant. Following his retirement, he worked for State Farm Insurance.

• Verneile “Jean” (Brower) Schumm, a Hastings High graduate, passed away August 2, 2024.  She graduated from Bonnell Beauty Academy and was a licensed cosmetologist.

• Jerald D. Glantz, a Hastings High graduate, passed away on July 12, 2024.  He served in  the United States Air Force.  Jerald thereafter lived and worked on the family farm.

• Gary Lee Kent, a 1969 Hastings High graduate passed away on August 1, 2024. He spent his lifetime farming near Juniata, NE.

• Linnea R. Peterson, a 1998 Hastings High graduate  passed away Monday, July 22, 2024.  She was a daycare provider in Hastings, Nebraska.

• Jean Gray Miller, a 1948 Hastings High graduate passed away on July 15, 2024 She worked as a teacher, as a children’s librarian and a corporate wife. 

• John J. Griffith, a 1962 Hastings High graduate, passed away on July 15, 2024. He served in the United States Marine Corps and in the Vietnam War and earned a Purple Heart. John went on to work for LT&T until retiring in 1997.

• James (Jim) Hewitt,  a 1950 Hastings High graduate, passed away on July 8, 2024.  While in law school Jim was associate editor of the Law Review and a member of the National Moot Court Team. He graduated in 1956 and received a ROTC commission in the Air Force.  While awaiting the call to active duty, Jim practiced law in Hastings with Stiner and Boslaugh. Jim served as a judge advocate at Forbes Air Force Base, Topeka, Kansas, from 1957 to 1960. He was discharged from active duty as a captain and returned to Lincoln to practice with Stewart, Stewart, and Calkins until he joined Nebco, Inc. in October 1961. He served as vice president and general counsel of Nebco for 41 years, retiring at the end of 2002.  While still at Nebco, Jim returned to UNL on a part-time basis as his workload permitted earning an M.A. in 1994 and a Ph.D. in 2003, both in history.  After his retirement from Nebco, Jim taught history at Nebraska Wesleyan University, UNL, and Southeast Community College.

• Lloyd Valentine, a 1951 Hastings High graduate, passed away Friday, July 12, 2024.  He worked for the J.M. McDonald Co. at the warehouse for the winter. Twenty-six years later and several buyouts of the company he went to full-time farming.  He also drove the fertilizer truck for the Fairfield Co-op. 

• Kenneth “Ken” Stuart DeJonge, a 1966 Hastings High graduate, passed away on July 17, 2024.  He was a United States Marine.  He began his career at Northwestern Public Service in Grand Island, NE.  His career moved him to North Platte, NE, in 1986, to become the superintendent of NWPS.

• Donald E Streck, a 1972 Hastings High graduate, passed away on June 28, 2024.  He  worked various jobs, from his time on the turkey farm to Village Inn.

• William Melvin Reed, a 1965 Hastings High graduate, passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2024.  He served in the  Nebraska National Guard and worked for several body shops until he retired in 2018.

• Connie A (Kallos) Theoharis, a 1963 Hastings High graduate, passed away on June 24, 2024.  Connie managed the Ponderosa Bowl in Hastings until she retired in 1996. She was a member of the Elks Club.

• Jenna R Cox, a 2018 Hastings High graduate, passed away on June 22, 2024.  Jeanna was currently the manager of Bling in Norfolk, NE.

• Daniel J Peirce, a 1987 Hastings High graduate, passed away on June 12, 2024.  He served in the United States Army and worked for Farris Construction in Hastings and then with MRL Crane Service in Grand Island.

• Kristin Ann (Ewing) Sorensen, a 1984 Hastings High graduate, passed away Thursday, June 6, 2024.  She taught at the Nebraska Youth Academy in Hastings until 2023.

• Joan (Adams) Erxleben, a 1961 Hastings High graduate, passed away.  She owned and operated The Finishing Touch beauty salon in Bartlett for 30 years. 

• Lloyd William Sandoe, a 1956 Hastings High graduate, passed away on May 31, 2024.  He worked for Metz Baking Company and Big G Auto Service Center.

• Richard L. Hill, a 1971 Hastings High graduate, passed away on June 6, 2024.  Rick was a salesman for various businesses in Hastings.

• Sharon L (Miller) Chapel, a 1961 Hasting High graduate passed away on Wednesday, April 7, 2024.  She will be remembered for her love of children and learning. She found great purpose and joy serving the children and families of Holstien, NE and the surrounding communities from 1995-2009. Sharon also served at Pooh Corner/Adams County Emergency Protective Shelter 1982-1995.

• Glenda Dee (Haggard) Carsten, a 1959 Hastings High graduate  passed away on May 24, 2024.  She worked in hospital business offices, company executive offices and in banking before retiring from gloProfessional, a Denver cosmetic company.

• Timmothy Dean Hagemeier, a 1986 Hasting High graduate passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.  He worked at L-H Manufacturing and had a real estate license.

• Burton R Nelson, a 1948 Hasting High graduate passed away on April 2, 2024.  He served in the United States Army and worked as a curator for the Hastings Museum for 48 years.

• Connie (Slater) Bowling, a 1966 Hastings High graduate passed away on May 5, 2024.  She worked as a nurse at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital in Hastings, and later worked at the Hastings Regional Center.  The last 26 years of her career she worked for Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, retiring in May 2008 as program manager for Psychiatry and Addictive Diseases.

• Lisa I Schmidt, a Hastings High graduate passed away on May 10, 2024.  She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, ARC of Nebraska, and Special Olympics. She participated in the Special Olympics and received many medals. Lisa loved watching Nebraska football.

• Nicholas A Herringer, a 2018 Hastings High graduate passed away on May 3, 2024.  He became a huge advocate for the Team Jack Foundation after his diagnosis of pediatric brain cancer. He faced his battle with such grace and he inspired countless individuals with his steadfast faith.

• Scott E Armes, a 1975 Hastings High graduate passed away on May 5, 2024. He worked at Pizza Hut and Cypress Industrial.

• Eileen K (Classen) Valentin, a 1957 Hastings High graduate passed away on May 1, 2024. She worked on the family farm with her husband and was a proud mother of three children.

• Amy S Farmer, a 1995 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 27, 2024. She worked for Mid Nebraska Individual Services. 

• Eileen M. (Horton) Kieffe, a 1940 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 27, 2024.  She retired from Hastings Public Schools.
  Marlene F. (Esterling) Haseloh, a 1948 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 29, 2024. She opened Don’s Café in Harvard. In 1972, she went to work at the Harvard Rest Haven as a nurse’s aide for the next 20 years before retiring.

• Sara K (Keogh) Stutzman, a 2004 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 1, 2024.  She was a radiological technologist. She worked at several Urgent Cares and Nebraska Orthopedics.

• Susan J (Theisen) Sattler, a 1954 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 27, 2024.   She was a registered nurse.

• Joan A (Cowell) Graham, a 1961 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 6, 2024.  She worked at Hewlett Packard, several secretarial positions, sales lady, and even a weigh master for a concrete company.  She was the partner in Graham Homes and served as the secretary for 55 years.

• Larry G Hoggart, a 1958 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 14, 2024.   He was a service technician for Beman’s Appliances in Hastings and owned and operated Larry’s Appliance Service in Hastings and Holdrege.

• Donald C. 'Don' Kramer, a 1957 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 10, 2024. His ability as a catcher on the American Legion baseball team meant a lot to him.

• John D. 'Dave' Bogan, a 1939 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 25, 2024.  He served in the United States Army and worked at Industrial Irrigation as the office manager and accountant until he retired in 1987.

• Deanna (Weidenkeller) Leonhardt, a 1961 Hastings High graduate passed away February 29, 2024.  She lived in Hastings several years with her daughter Kellie before moving to San Diego.  

• Harold W. Thaut MD, “Hal,”  a 1963 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 19, 2024. In 1974 Hal began his work as a family practice physician at the Beatrice Medical Center. As part of his 50-year career, Hal worked as the medical director for the Beatrice State Developmental Center and the Good Samaritan Society.  Hal worked for 10 years as a physician in the Emergency Department of Beatrice Community Hospital and retired in 2018. Hal served on the boards of the Beatrice Humane Society and the Beatrice Public Library. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder.

• Kevin Albert Sadd, a 1978 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 29, 2024.  He worked as a maintenance supervisor at the Imperial Mall.

• Michael W. Carl, a 1988 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 26, 2024.  He worked for the Omaha School System.

• Doris E (Enninga) Stromer, a 1957 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 11, 2024. Doris enjoyed teaching, clerical work for many years, reading, studying, knitting, crocheting, and sports with Larry.

• Jean (Wahl) Haseloh, a 1960 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 8, 2024.  Jean enjoyed many things: baking, bowling, bingo, knitting, listening to country and polka music, putting puzzles together and most of all making cards on the computer.

• Steven R Schmidt, a 1970 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 17, 2024.  Steven served in the U.S. Marines Corps and Nebraska National Guard.  He was a teacher for the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility.

• Andrew M Sidlo, a 1996 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 17, 2024.  Andy worked as a mold maker in tool shops in Alda, Grand Island, Kearney, and Hastings and ended his career in a position where he found a true passion for helping others as a 3D project engineer for Innovative Prosthetics and Shabri, a company located in Hastings.

• Wayne I Hueske, a 1950 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 4, 2024. He served in the Korean War from 1952 to 1954 as a Sergeant 1st Class in the 5th Armored Division and  was part of Nebraska’s honor flights of the Korean War veterans to Washington D.C. to tour their memorials. After serving in the Korean War, he worked for Dutton-Lainson and Layne & Bowler Pump Co. before his career of 39 years as an electrician.

• Mark A Reiner, a 1970 Hastings High graduate passed away on February 10, 2024.  Mark owned and operated Reiner Tax & Accounting from 1978 until his retirement in 2020.

• Paul R Kothe, a 1957 Hastings High graduate passed away on February 12, 2024.  He served in the Army National Guard Reserve from 1957 to 1964. He worked for Union Pacific Railroad. Paul also owned and operated Kothe Construction and Kothe Trucking LLC until he retired in 2004.

• LeeAnne (Blunt) Maul, a 1967 Hastings High graduate passed away on February 9, 2024.  LeeAnne was a stay-at-home mom prior to becoming a seamstress for Mode O’Day. LeeAnne also taught preschool at Pooh Corner, later becoming a pharmacy tech for WalMart.

• Robert G Tharp, a 1961 Hastings High graduate passed away on February 21, 2024.  Bob was an auto parts salesman for Sidles & Auto Value for 42 years.

• Marlyn (Wallace) Coleman, a 1953 Hastings High graduate passed away on January 17, 2024. Marlyn worked as a travel agent and became a world traveler herself. She particularly favored the Orient.  Mar was a master seamstress and especially enjoyed designing and sewing her daughter’s wedding gown.

• Patricia L Mace, a 1972 Hastings High graduate passed away on January 11, 2024.  She worked at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital for 41 years and also did home care for elderly for many years in their homes.

• David J Stewart, a 1957 Hastings High graduate passed away on January 30, 2024.  He served in the United States Air Force and owned and operated Stewart Plumbing.

• Sandra (Kerr) Carlson, a 1962 Hastings High graduate passed away on January 20, 2024.  She was a special education teacher for ESU9 and Morton Elementary.