Hastings Alumni Obituaries 2015

Donna J. Borrell, a 1971 Hastings High School graduate passed away November 26, 2015 in Hastings. Donna served in the U.S. Army and was a private pilot. She worked at the Opportunity House is Hastings. Donna loved animals, movies and science fiction.

Gary Grothen, a 1955 graduate of Hastings High School passed away November 29, 2015. Gary worked as an electrical engineer for Boeing Aircraft, McDonnell Douglas and BDM Corp. He was also the proprietor of Gronel Associates, specializing in the engineering and production of special purpose electronic systems for government, military and agriculture. He was an avid ham radio operator, loved camping, fishing, and hunting.

David K. Kauf, a 1951 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on November 30, 2015. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1954. David worked for Principal Financial Group, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Colonial Penn and Sentry Group. David was active in many organizations and activities. He retired in 1995 and split his time between Lincoln, Nebraska and Scottsdale, Arizona.

Jene Lau, a 1962 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on April 1, 2015. He served in the Army in Vietnam. Jene lived in California where he worked as an executive at a Fortune-500 company before retiring to become a self-taught metallurgist.

Kimberly K. (Kump) Siebrass a 1991 graduate of Hastings High School passed away suddenly on December 2, 2015. Kim was a bookkeeper at Spitz Foundry. She delighted in her sons and enjoyed family time at her lake house.

Michael Hans Lemke a 1974 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on December 10, 2015 following a courageous fight with cancer. Mike attended Central Community College where he pursued his career of being an electrician. He traveled the country working at coal, natural gas and nuclear power plants on electrical repairs.

Vivian LaVone (Hahn) Hynes a 1947 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on December 18, 2015. LaVone was employed by the Hastings Regional Center where she retired in 1989. She enjoyed playing cards and bingo with her friends. She especially enjoyed time with her family and the trips they took together.

Sherril A. (Dreher) Albin a 1961 graduate of Hastings High School passed away January 1, 2016. Sherril loved to travel, watch volleyball games and go to dog shows. She loved spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren.

Betty E. (Kerr) Jansen a 1948 graduate of Hastings High School passed away January 2, 2016. Betty taught schools in Hastings, Scottsbluff, North Platte and Sioux City. Betty was active in several civic clubs and in her free time enjoyed bird watching, playing cards and dancing. Her favorite time spent was with her family.

Jennifer Spatz passed away October 20, 2015 as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Jennifer was born September 2, 1994 and graduated from Hastings High School. Jennifer was a nursing student at the time of her death.

Renee D. Kent, a 1972 graduate of Hastings High School passed away Thursday, October 22, 2015 at her home in Omaha. After graduating from Kearney State College, Renee dedicated her life to teaching children with special needs. In addition, Renee crafted one-of-a- kind miniature doll outfits which were made to represent the characters of nursey rhymes, fairy tales and holidays. She sold her doll clothing throughout the United States and in many foreign countries.

Burdell G. VanBoening, a 1966 graduate of Hastings High School passed away, Sunday, October 25, 2015. Burdell served his country with the National Guard. He graduated from Central Community College with a Construction Electrician AAS degree. After being employed with Krieger Electric for many years, he formed his own company, B. Van Electric.

Arlette M. (Stromer) Young a 1945 graduate of Hastings High School passed away, Friday, October 30, 2015. Arlette was a devoted mother and homemaker. Later she worked at Hoff Cleaners. She was an avid reader and loved doing crossword puzzles.

Nellie A. (Schutte) McKimmey a 1960 graduate of Hastings High School passed away, November 3, 2015 in Little Rock, Arkansas. She enjoyed hunting, fishing and most of all spending time with her family.

Cheryl A. (Cramer) Peters, a 1975 graduate of Hastings High School passed away, Sunday, November 1, 2015. Cheryl worked as a telephone operator and later attended nursing classes and worked in a nursing home in Evanston, Wyoming. She dedicated herself to raising her daughter, Sarah. She loved thrift shops, movies and music.

Mark A. Williams, a graduate of Hastings High School passed away November 5, 2015. He began his career with the Nebraska State Patrol in 1988 and was promoted to Captain before his death. His comfort lvel, his confidence, and his mentoring recruits in law enforcement are where his talents excelled. He loved attending his children's activities, spending time with family and friends, sports and motorcycle trips.

Nola J. (Hughes) Jones, a 1955 graduate of Hastings High School passed away, Sunday, November 8, 2015 at her home. She married Robert C. Jones in 1956. She was employed at Dutton Lainson Company.

Coralee P. Howell, a 1947 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2015. Coralee was active in her church and also the Liederkranz Ladies Society of Grand Island. She loved to cook Kraut runzas and especially enjoyed time with her family and friends. She enjoyed playing bridge, traveling and reading.

Robert O. "Bob" Woodward, a 1986 graduate of Hastings High School passed away, Saturday, November 21, 2015. Bob enjoyed hunting with his dogs and riding his Harley with his buddies. He worked at Roger's Inc. in Hastings before moving to Kearney to live.

Andrew A. Williams, a 2011 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on September 27, 2015. He worked at PaperWorks in the printing press department.

Hal C. "Butch" Smith, Jr., a graduate of Hastings High School passed away on September 24, 2015. He attended Hastings College and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He and his brother owned and operated the "Dos Hermanos" restaurants in Hastings and Grand Island.

Hubert E. Payne, a 1939 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on September 29, 2015. Hubert served in the U.S. Navy. He and his family established Sunset Memorial Gardens in Hastings. Hubert was choir director at the First Christian Church.

Florence J. "Flossie" Uhrmacher, graduated from Hastings High School in 1952. Florence worked for many years in the telephone industry for Lincoln Telephone, before working as a realtor.

Leola I. "Lee" Kohl Wiens, a 1939 graduate of Hastings High School passed away September 10, 2015. Leola married Arnold Wiens in 1940 and they lived on her family farm. Lee was involved in many organizations, but her favorites were being a 4-H leader, extension club member and managing the Extension Food booth at the Adams County Fair. Her true passion was the family farm.

Rose M. Bott, a 1930 graduate of Hastings High School passed away August 17, 2015. Rose spent her working years in the retail business, as a buyer and manager for the Brach-Thompson Store, Schweser's and Jeri's Uniform. Rose was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.

Shannon T. "Tim" Dean, a 1964 graduate of Hastings High School passed away in July, 2015. After graduation Tim joined the Marine Corps in 1969 through 1972. One of his favorite sayings was "I thought I was wrong once, but I made a mistake." Tim will be missed and never forgotten by those who loved him.

Carolyn J. Crawford, a 1957 graduate of Hastings High School passed away August 7, 2015. Carolyn grew up on a farm north of Hastings and after high school began working as a secretary in the lab department of Mary Lanning Hospital, which led to serving more than thirty years as a lab technician at Mary Lanning and the David City Clinic. She married Gaylord Crawford on February 14, 1960. They had two children, Shelly Lynn and Scott Lee. In 1971, they became the owners of Willow Lake Fish Hatchery that had been started by her father. Carolyn was a member of the North Shore Assembly of God Church. She enjoyed grinding her own wheat to make bread, attending and teaching bible studies and playing the guitar. She loved having her grandchildren and great-grandchildren visit her. Her strong faith sustained her during her long battle with Parkinson's disease. Carolyn was an inspiration to all who knew her.

William "Bill" Burnham, a 1949 graduate of Hastings High School passed away August 8, 2015. After graduation Bill served with the Army National Guard for 33 years. Bill worked for Hastings Canvas for 20 years and Metz Bakery for 24 years until his retirement. Bill was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, and was also a member of the Bakers Union #433, Golden Eagle and honorary member of the VFW Post #1346 and National Guard for many years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons, dancing with his wife, Marlita Mae, and spending time with his family.

Helen A. Martin Katzberg, a 1952 graduate of Hastings High School passed away August 11, 2015. Helen was born in Hastings and except for a short time spent in California while her husband, Wayne, served in the Navy, lived in Hastings her entire life. Helen worked at Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph as a switchboard operator and at the Masonic Temple. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Her time with family was special to her. She was a great cook and loved to sew. Helen enjoyed taking trips with her husband. She loved flowers, gardening, going for walks, and just being outside.

Howard W. Hohlen, a 1952 graduate of Hastings High School passed away in July 2015. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served stateside until 1961 when he received an honorable medical discharge. He returned to Hastings where he met and fell in love with Carol Jean Frecks. They were married June 18, 1960. Their daughter Barbara was born in 1963. In 1965 they moved from Hastings to Trumbull where they were the proud owners of The Peony Gardens. In 1973 they adopted their son Mark. Howard lost Carol to cancer in 1999. He met and fell in love with Melodee Montayre. They married in Honolulu, Hawaii, on March 11, 2000. They continued to work the land and the Peony Gardens until 2009 when they sold the farm and moved to Hastings. Howard was a greatly respected electrician and spent most of his professional career working for the city of Hastings. He was a pilot in his early years, a fine steward of the land, a devoted husband and father, and a servant of Christ. He gave selflessly to his church, to the land, to his family and to his faith. He will be remembered with great reverence by those who loved him. His bright blue eyes and child-like smile will be dearly missed.

Richard "Dick" Bennett, a 1957 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Monday, July 13, 2015. Dick worked for Johnson Well Casing at the age of 18 and later became the plant manager. He retired from the State of Nebraska's Regional Center in 2003. Dick was an avid race fan, and was partner in a race car and raced at local race tracks. He was also past president of the Skylark Flying Club and built many planes for both him and others. He could be found drinking coffee with his coffee buddies, and having lunch nearly every day at the Senior Center. Dick loved his family, his grandkids and great-grandkids. And he loved life. Dick was taken in by several families as “one of their own.” He was kind, generous and loved to laugh. People rarely saw Dick without a smile on his face. He will be missed by anybody who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Mary Lou Korgan Sowers, a 1966 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2015. She attended Joseph’s College of Beauty. On September 2, 1967, she married John Joseph Sowers, Jr. at First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and made their home in Hastings, Nebraska. To this union, two sons, Christopher and Jason, were born. She worked as a hair stylist, and later a homemaker and bookkeeper for Sower’s Automotive in Hastings, Nebraska. John and Mary Lou later moved to Blue Hill, Nebraska, until her husband’s passing and she later returned to Hastings. She was a member of First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where she enjoyed helping in the kitchen and other activities, Red Hat Society and was a member of an extension club. She enjoyed tending to her flowers, decorating, spending time with her family, and having visits from her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Edward 'Ed' Adler, a 1960 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2015. He served his country in the Army National Guard from 1964-1970 and was a decorated soldier while serving Company C, 2-134 Infantry. He earned the Nebraska National Guard Commendation Medal for providing medical assistance to a fellow soldier after a convoy accident. Ed was a plumber and a maintenance mechanic over the years for Stewart's Plumbing, Apex Plumbing, and he retired from Flowserve in December of 2013. He had an incredible gift to be able to fix and build almost anything. Ed's hobbies included fishing, hunting, supporting his kids and grandkids, and being outdoors as much as possible. His grandkids were his pride and joy and he cherished them deeply.

Greggory Peterson, a 1980 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 30, 2015. He served in the Army National Guard from 1981-1988. Gregg was involved with several construction companies, Union Pacific Railroad, and Store Kraft until he retired in 2012. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, sports of all kinds, especially football, and being with family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

Edna Jobman, an HHS Graduate in the early 40's passed away Thursday, June 11, 2015. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great- grandchildren. She did a lot of sewing for her granddaughters when they were little. Sarah and Amy have many dresses that Grandma Edna made for them that they will cherish. Edna loved music and especially enjoyed her granddaughters’ piano recitals and Steven’s church choir programs.

Gary L. Morse, a 1967 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Saturday, June 6, 2015. Gary entered the U.S. Army and served his country during the Vietnam War. He attended Kearney State College and Central Community College on the GI Bill. Gary worked as a custom welder for Hastings Irrigation for 40-plus years. Gary was in his element when he was hunting, fishing, or golfing.

Robert L. 'Bob' Spady, a 1962 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Wednesday June 3, 2015. After graduation he continued working at Fred Spady Motors as Parts Manager. In 1967, Bob went to work for his brother at Jerry Spady Pontiac Cadillac GMC in Hastings as General Manager. He purchased Rich Watson Buick Pontiac GMC in North Platte in 1989 and had owned it ever since. Along with his business, Bob’s passions were his boats and his classic cars, the louder and faster the better. Bob was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He was actively involved in the North Platte community, serving on various boards in different positions.

Marvin E. Wolfe, a 1952 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Monday, May 25, 2015. Marvin studied journalism and printing technology at Hastings College. He served in the Navy in Hawaii from 1954 to 1958. From 1959 to 1961, Marvin attended Kansas State College. He married Mary McCallion on May 16, 1964, in Hastings. They were married for 41 years until Mary’s death. Marvin worked at Great Bend Tribune in Great Bend, Kansas, then for the Hastings Tribune for 15 years. He worked at other printing jobs in Omaha and Washington state before retiring. He loved being involved with his granddaughters as they grew up and loved being involved in the lives of his great-grandchildren. Marvin moved to Good Samaritan Village after retirement and volunteered with his wife at the Bargain Bin and played the organ for many church services at the Good Samaritan Chapel. He also played with the Golden Age Entertainers. He was a ham radio operator and enjoyed playing his horn whenever he could. Marvin was a member of the Maverick Band, the Masonic Midwest Lodge 317, Scottish Rite, Tehema Temple, and the Shrine Band. He was also a member of First United Methodist Church and played with the Methodist Church Brass Choir.

Patricia L. 'Patty' Tripp, a 1976 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Monday, May 25, 2015. Patty received her Associates Degree from Central Community College in Hastings. She worked for Saint Francis Oncology Department as a Registered Health Information Technician, Cancer Tumor Register, and Cancer Data Analyst.

Thomas Creigh III, a 1976 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Friday, May 22, 2015. He attended Nebraska Wesleyan University and graduated from Hastings College in 1983. Tom worked for may years as a sales professional in the Hastings and South-Central Nebraska area. During his professional career, Tom was able to pursue his passion for music and technology in radio and technology sales activities.

Juliann Kyle Koerperich a 1973 graduate of Hastings High School passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. Juliann worked at Perkins Pavilion, Garvey Elevators, and Cigna Insurance. Juliann dearly loved quilting and other crafts, and enjoyed being with her quilting friends and working on quilting projects at her home. She gifted a lot of these crafty items and quilts to the sick and then Brentwood Catholic parish women’s altar society. She made over 500 quilts doing what she loved and could talk about each one as though she just made it yesterday.
Anyone who received one of these will be wrapped in her love and warmth forever.

Marie Vacek, a 1974 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2015. She attended Southeast Community College in Lincoln. She was office manager at Duane's Welding, and was employed at the Smith Softball Complex and the City Auditorium.

Janet Penner Kopisch, a 1965 graduate of Hastings High School passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2015. She worked at Wells Fargo and Five Points Bank until her retirement.

James 'Jim' Hartman Sr., a 1952 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Monday, March 23, 2015. Jim served in the United States Air Force from 1954-1975. He retired as a Master Sergeant. Upon retiring he moved with his family back to Hastings. He worked in heating and air conditioning installation and at Hartman’s TV until fully retiring. Jim could fix or build anything. He loved doing upholstery, car restorations, house remodeling and many other “fix it” projects. He was a jack of all trades and master of many! He loved his family and would do anything for them. He greatly enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren’s sporting or special events. Jim attended North Shore Assembly of God Church since moving back to Nebraska and was involved in various areas of ministry over the years. His church family meant a lot to him. Jim was a devoted husband, selfless loving father and an amazing grandpa. Most of all Jim was a man of God. God blessed him with a great life full of love, family, and friends. He will be greatly missed by all.

Dennis Janssen, a 1968 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2015. Dennis served with the Nebraska Air National Guard from 1968-1974. He was an area farmer and received the Kiwanis Farm Family of the Year Award. Dennis attended First St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hastings and was a member of the HHS Class of 1968 Reunion Committee and Westernaires Square Dance Club. He was an avid pool player and outdoorsman, and enjoyed going to area car shows.

John Kipp Charlton, a 1954 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Monday, February 23, 2015. Kipp attended Amherst College, graduating AB Laude in 1958. Following in the steps of his father and grandfather, both doctors, Kipp attended medical school at Cornell University Medical School in New York City, graduating in 1962. He married Susan “Susie” Young from Omaha, Nebraska, in 1959. He continued his medical training in Columbus, Ohio, Castle Air Force Base, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, TX. By 1970, his family had grown to four children. He had many options to practice pediatric medicine but chose to move to Phoenix and join the staff of Maricopa County General Hospital, now the Maricopa Integrated Health System (MIHS) in Phoenix, where he worked in the Department of Pediatrics until January of 2015. He has also been a staff member at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital since 1985. In those forty-five years at MIHS he held several positions including Associate Chairman and Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics, and Director of the Division of Nephrology as Attending Pediatrician. For the Phoenix Campus of the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Kipp has been Pediatric Clerkship Director, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Director of Student Counseling, and Director of Career Counseling. In addition Kipp has been a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics of the UA College of Medicine in Tucson. Early in his career at MIHS, Kipp became a leading advocate for child abuse prevention and helped found the Crisis Nursery in Phoenix. The Crisis Nursery remained his passion throughout his life; he served as its only medical director and provider for the first 20 years. He also spent several years caring for children at St. Vincent de Paul. An exceedingly humble man, Kipp was honored to receive many awards over the years, including the 2011 J. Kipp Charlton Physician of Excellence Award from Maricopa Health Foundation and the Health Care Heroes 2011 Lifetime Achievement award. Kipp was truly a renaissance man. In addition to being an accomplished pianist, he loved to fly, sail and travel. He was also a season ticket holder for 40 years to the Arizona Theater Company, the Phoenix Symphony, and the Arizona Opera. Kipp’s quiet, gentle ways made this world a better place, especially for the children of Arizona.

William 'Willy' Dixon Jr. a 1975 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Friday, February 20, 2015. Willy was a musician with many bands including Stillwater, Kick, Gold Rush, Victor Skitz, and Sam West. He compiled an anthology of Tommy Bolin's songs recorded through Geffen Records. Willy worked for the Missoulian newspaper and Good Music Agency in Missoula, Montana. He owned pet stores in Hastings including the Upstairs Aquarium, worked for PetSmart in Montana, worked in Hoyt Axton’s recording studio, and Lambriar, Inc. in Kansas. Willy was a member of Grace United Church, AA and was an Eagle Scout.

Rick Sanford, a 1974 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2015. Ricki married Sherry Owens on September 15, 1979. He worked as a machinist at Flo-Serve. Ricki was a member of the Harvard United Church of Christ, Harvard Gun Club, and NRA. He enjoyed guns, hunting, motorcycles with his first being his favorite, spending time with his grandchildren, he was an avid Husker fan and loved chocolate.

William 'Bill' Palmer, a 1955 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2015. He served in the US Army Reserves. He returned to Hastings where he opened his own upholstery shop at the age of 19. Bill married Peggy (Moore) on January 9, 1959, in Hastings, NE. In 1966, he moved to Fremont where he owned Fremont Seat Cover Center, later renamed Midwest Seat Manufacturing until 1987. He moved to Henderson, Texas, where he worked for Wise Co. until coming back to Fremont in 1991. He purchased Fremont Thrifty Lube running it until retiring in 2008. Bill enjoyed collecting and working on old cars and trucks.

Ronald Walker, a 1954 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Friday, February 6, 2015. Ron joined the U.S. Army in 1958. He served during the Korean Conflict from 1959 to 1960, then joined the Reserves at Camp George West in Golden, CO. Ron married Joyce Marsh on December 27, 1958, in Hastings, NE. Ron received his Associates Degree and apprenticeship in Tool and Die and worked as a machinist for various corporations, including Samsonite, Lego Division and Eastman Kodak, retiring in 1991. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Loveland. Ron worked with the Larimer County 4-H clubs, participated in a work camp at the Navajo Reservation in Shiprock, MN, for 20 years. Ron had a wood work shop where he made beautiful wood crafts and furniture.

Frances McKenna Lowell, a 1930 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2015. She attended District 31 in Adams County and graduated in 1930 from Hastings Senior High School at the top of her class. She started working for Great Western Adjustment Company the day after graduation and worked for them until 1943. She married Howard Lowell on March 12, 1932, in Maryville, Kansas. Howard preceded her in death on May 25, 1975. To this union four children were born, Mary Eulalia, Karen Sue, Paul Howard, and Pamela Joan. Howard and Fran moved from Hastings in 1943 to Wood River. Fran was a longtime resident of Wood River until June 2012, when she moved to Lebensraum Assisted Resident Living Center in Grand Island. In January 2015 she moved to the Good Samaritan Center in Grand Island. She worked for Moyer- McCumber- Welch Insurance and the Bank of Wood River as a secretary from 1961 to 1986.

Leonard 'Skip' Spiker Jr., a 1966 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Monday, January 26, 2015. He graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He served for nine years in the United States Marines and attained the rank of Captain. After being honorably discharged, Skip went back to school to become a veterinarian. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1985, and then moved to Idaho where he worked in a small animal practice. Skip loved the outdoors and spent many hours hunting, golfing, canoeing and snow skiing with his friends. He was a wonderfully intelligent man whose command for the English language and sense of humor set him apart. He lit up a room with his well-told stories. Skip’s love and compassion for the furry creatures was genuine. He was a very private person, and though he suffered for a long time with illness, he never complained. His persona is irreplaceable, and he will be dearly missed by those who loved him.

Mary Andrews Bermond, a 1946 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Monday, January 26, 2015. She married Laurence Bermond on May 12, 1978. He preceded her in death on June 6, 2002. She worked as a cosmetologist and credit manager. Mary loved spending time at her farm and lake home. She loved gardening, traveling, painting, arts and crafts, playing piano, shopping, and most of all, family time.

Jerry J. Hoff, a 1968 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2015. Jerry was the first of his family to graduate from college, obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kearney State College in 1973. Jerry then went to work for Nash Finch Company, living in South Dakota, Minnesota and North Dakota. In 1987 he moved back to Hastings as Co-Owner of Uncle Neal’s. Jerry was very active at the First United Methodist Church, Hastings Noon Rotary and as a board member of the Chamber of Commerce. Jerry loved to play golf although he never mastered the game. He cherished playing cards with a group of friends monthly. He loved dogs and cats and many remember seeing him walk his chocolate lab Daisy. He was known to stop at his friend Ron’s for a beer on those walks. Jerry loved to hunt with his brothers and sons every fall. Jerry was an eternal optimist and always thought the glass was half full. Jerry will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Gerald F. Frerichs, a 1962 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2015. He served in the Army Reserves. Gerald married Vicky Samuelson on September 26, 1965, at First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hastings. He worked at Sherman Service Center, began farming in 1963, and was co-owner of Downrange Manufacturing and F & K Enterprises. Gerald was a member of First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, District 15 School Board for 12 years, volunteer fireman for Ayr Volunteer Fire Department for 34 years, past President of Juniata Cenex Board, and past Treasurer for Little Blue NRD Observers Board. Gerald received the Kiwanis Outstanding Farmer Award in 1980. He had a passion for farming, hunting, and fishing. His “Swede” children and grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Gregory A. Wells, a 1973 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2015. He earned a drafting degree from CCC in Hastings. He was a member of Jachin Lodge #146 A.F. & A.M. - Holdrege and Nebraska Lodge #1 - Omaha A.F. & A.M. Gregory worked for Inland Truck Parts, Omaha in sales. He married Maureen Rose Shafer on August 16, 1975, at Rosedale United Methodist Church.

Bette Robbins Brown, a 1951 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2015. She was united in marriage to Darrell F. Brown on July 27, 1955. After which the couple moved to Lincoln, NE where she was employed at Nebraska Wesleyan University as Assistant to the Registrar. She has also worked at St. Francis Medical Center as secretary to the Vice President for Finance, Kruse; Happold CPA’s, Art Kraft and more recently at Apfel Funeral Home as prearrangement secretary. She was a member of the Abundant Life Christian Center. She had been active in the Wasmer Elementary School PTA while her children attended school there; was a 4-H Leader, volunteered at Lutheran Memorial Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, and the Crisis Center. Bette passionately lived out her love of music through her enthusiastic participation in the Red Hat Society ... undying joy to so many. She loved good books and music, playing the piano, knitting, sewing and tending her flowers. Above all, she cherished the moments with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Marvin 'Don' Bruntz, a 1941 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Monday, January 12, 2015. Don lived his entire life in the Hastings area. He served proudly in the Pacific during WWII in the U.S. Navy while stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. He married Helen Berg on September 28, 1947. During their 46 years of marriage, they raised four children while farming north of Hastings and staying active in the lives of their children and grandchildren. He enjoyed skiing in Colorado and camping and fishing with his children and grandchildren. Don was a founding member of the “Hastings Skylarks” radio controlled model airplane club. Don served on numerous Church boards and committees. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. Don also served on Adams County District 29 school board and Adams Central school board for many years. He was instrumental in forming Adams Central High School. Don was also a master carpenter and cabinet builder. Don married Jeanne Gifford on October 22, 1994, and for twenty years they enjoyed retirement and dancing together.

Eva Sanders Flemming, a 1943 graduate of Hastings High School passed away Monday, January 12, 2015. She is preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, SGT Jim “Flip” Flemming, USAF, who was stationed at Harvard during WWII. Jim passed away in 1977. A little over a year later she was reunited with high school neighbor and sweetheart, Don Dier, where they spent several years RVing with friends and attending class reunions. Don passed away in April 2011.

Carol Zeadow, a 1964 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Monday, January 12, 2015. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and an employee of Murphy's Wagon Wheel for fifteen years.

Euteva 'Toby' Baker, a 1943 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2015. Toby married Glen H. Baker Sr. on December 8, 1943, in Topeka, Kansas; he preceded her in death on January 6, 2008. She was a homemaker and a member of Grace United Methodist Church. Toby was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star- Hastings Acacia 39 and Ruth Circle at Grace United Methodist. She was also a member the Naamah Temple of the Daughters of the Nile. Toby made the “best ever” brownies from her own secret recipe. Love was the special ingredient. Outside of her family, her passion was art. She did many pencil sketches of her children and grandchildren and painted when time permitted. She took great joy in making everyone happy, including anyone she met. Her greatest passion of all was giving loving care to her family and she especially adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, giving them lots of love and kisses with plenty of sweet treats.

Dorothy 'Dot' Lamphiear Losee, a 1950 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Monday, January 5, 2015. She married Allen Dale Losee on September 23, 1950, in Hastings, NE. Allen passed away October 28, 2009. They lived in Hastings and Doniphan, NE, until moving to the family farm southwest of Doniphan in 1957. They lived there until moving back to Doniphan in 1987. She worked at Durham Bakery, Hastings Regional Center and Good Samaritan Village, all in Hastings, Doniphan School and she also helped farm. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Doniphan, NE, Hall County Extension Club, and Card Club and enjoyed helping with the church salad suppers. She enjoyed life as a wife, mother and grandmother. All the grandkids remember her saying “Anything your little heart desires.” Dot collected angels and was always delighted when a new one arrived at the door. She was always ready to travel, she spent many enjoyable times with family and friends.

Shirley Copple Shreve, a graduate of Hastings High School, passed away at the age of 80, on Sunday, January 4, 2015. She worked as a secretary for Friends Trucking and was a cashier at Allen's. She was also a buyer for Ben Shermans Clothing and a partner in S & H Truck Shop. Shirley was a member of First Christian Church Disciples of Christ. She enjoyed her family and grandchildren and their activities.

Edith Frasier Willcock, a 1945 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Friday, January 2, 2015. She married Mavis Dale Stansberry, Sr. on August 17, 1947; he passed away in March 1956. She married Norman Whyrich in September 1957; they later divorced. She married Elton Willcock on July 3, 1965; he passed away on April 26, 2006. Edith worked at CD Hoff Cleaners after graduation until she was married in 1947 and worked as a care staff member at Village Grace at Good Samaritan Village and at Montgomery Wards until she retired. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church where she was very active in different groups; Hastings Presbyterian Women Quilters, Presbyterian Women’s Circle, the Hastings Quilting Guild and the Adams County Historical Society.

Dennis 'Denny' Ground, a 1968 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Friday, December 12, 2014. He married Elsje Looye in 1971 and they raised their two daughters in Juniata where he enjoyed restoring vintage and classic cars before moving to Estes Park in 2009. Denny worked at Mid- America Pump and Supply in Hastings and later at Phoenix Casting and Machining in Juniata before retiring in 2008. While in Estes Park he worked at a local retail shop at the Recreation and Parks Department during the summer and also volunteered with the Rocky Mountain Nature Conservancy, Big Horn Brigade, and Salvation Army.