Hastings Alumni Obituaries 2016

Gary Thomas, a 1963 Hastings High graduate, passed away on November 30, 2016. He was part of the Carpenters Union and enjoyed drag racing, golfing, fishing and hunting.

Jean L. Ahlin, a 1962 Hastings High graduate, passed away on November 8, 2016. Jean was a devoted RN with the VA and a Husker Match Club member.

Gary L. Papenhagen, a 1971 Hastings High graduate, passed away on November 25, 2016. He loved music, singing and playing in church bands. He also played for Irish, Scottish and English country dances.

Kerry w. Turner, a 1956 Hastings High graduate, passed away on December 7, 2016. He served in the U.S. Army and was the owner and operator of Turner Brothers Painting Contractors. He was a member of Elks, American Legion and Eagles Club in Hastings.

Jewel A Dunn, a 1948 Hastings High graduate, passed away on December 5, 2016. She loved reading, playing bridge, taking care of her family and spending time with her friends.

Sharon K. Phinney, a 1968 Hastings High graduate, passed away on December 8, 2016. She worked as a secretary at Schweser's Department Store and then in the counselor's office at the Hastings Senior High school till she retired. She was a member of First United Methodist Church.

Jalaene Parkison, a 1949 Hastings High graduate, passed away on December 14, 2016. She worked for many years in the accounting field.

Dawson Easter, a 1942 Hastings High graduate, passed away on May 29, 2016. He served in the Army Air Corps in World War II and worked for the McKesson Corporation.

Doris J. Watson, a 1951 Hastings High graduate, passed away on December 16, 2016. She worked at Wells Fargo as a personal banker and retired in 1988. She also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Blood Mobile, and election sites.

Jack D. Weiland, a 1953 Hastings High graduate, passed away on December 18, 2016. He was in the U.S. Marine Corps and played in the Marine Band. He was a fireman for the Hastings Fire department for 27 years.

Lisa Joy Dubas, a 1973 Hastings High graduate, passed away on December 20, 2016. In high school she proudly wore the Tigerette uniform and loved her children and family very much.

Joni K. Calhoun, a 1977 Hastings High graduate passed away on December 24, 2016. She worked for the State of Nebraska and the Wal-Mart pharmacy in Hastings.

Jean L. Ahlin, a 1962 Hastings High graduate, passed away on November 8, 2016. She was a RN devoted to veterans at the VA Hospital in Lincoln.

Larry Lavern Detter, a 1954 Hastings High graduate, passed away on November 21, 2016. He retired from Millworks Company, loved nature and was an avid bowler.

Lois J. Gannon, a Hastings High graduate, passed away on November 21, 2016. She was a homemaker and enjoyed sewing, crocheting and cooking.

Marjorie L. Johnson, a 1945 Hastings High graduate, passed away on November 27, 2016. She worked for the Navy Department for 10 years, then J.M. McDonald Company and then in the K-Mart fashion department.

Gene A. Piel, a 1960 Hastings High graduate, passed away on October 1, 2016.  He owned and operated a horse ranch in Colorado for 45 years.  Gene then retired from Hewlett-Packard and returned to Hastings.  He was an avid reader, strong fan of Husker and K-State football and enjoyed camping trips and daily walks.

Lee M. Venter, a 1977 Hastings High graduate, passed away on Oct. 1, 2016.  He was an avid golfer, fisherman and Husker fan.  His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.

Curtis Rutt, a 1957 Hastings High graduate, passed away on October 14, 2016.  He served in the U.S. Navy and was employed with Borley Mayflower and Woodwards Disposal. He loved sports and was a Nebraska state professional arm wrestler.

Teresa M. Hughes, a 1980 Hastings High graduate, passed away on October 16, 2016.  She attended Central Community College and loved cats, Farm Ville, and her 1964 Thunderbird.

Lewis A. Seberg, a 1973 Hastings High graduate, passed away on October 19, 2016.  He was the electrical inspector for the city of Hastings and was a voracious reader.

Marcelline M Lovell, a 1935 Hastings High graduate, passed away on October 24, 2016.  She was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Altar Society, Elks Club #159 Does, the Eagles and the American Legion.

Larry E. Edeal, a 1965 Hastings High graduate, passed away on October 21, 2016.  He was an art teacher for 33 years and enjoyed fishing and working in his flower garden.

Lorraine E. Pittz, a Hastings High graduate passed away on August 29, 2016. She taught for 39 years and loved teaching, gardening, painting, cooking, playing the piano and watching Nebraska football. Lorraine was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island.

Richard D. Pederson, a 1961 Hastings High graduate passed away on September 10, 2016. Richard was a swimmer, Eagle Scout, Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, worked in the baggage department for the Burlington Railroad in Hastings and retired as a drawbridge operator from the BNSF in 2008.

Roy W Trupp, a 1948 Hastings High graduate passed away on September 13, 2016. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, worked for the City of Hastings as the Street Superintendent and was a member of the Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church where he served as a trustee for many years.

Mary K. Fricke, a 1948 Hastings High graduate passed away on September 24, 2016. She was employed as a surveyor and statistician by the Department of Agriculture, owned Today & Yesterday Antique Shop and operated Mary L Tax Services. She was a member of St. Cecilia's Catholic Church and Glenvil American Legion.

Brian R. McGinnis, a 1986 Hastings High graduate passed away on August 2, 2016. Brian served his country In the U.S. Air Force, was a master plumber and a competitive bowler. He was also a member of the Hastings Skylarks and earned his Eagle Scout.

Donald R. Holt, a 1963 Hastings High graduate passed away on August 5, 2106. He managed Hastings Diesel Service with his brother and was on the boards of Nebraska Trucking Association and Council of Fleet Specialists. Donald was also a member of the Hastings Board of Education and served on the board of Foundation One Bank in Omaha.

Matthew D. Hull, a 2015 Hastings High graduate passed away on August 6, 2016. He attended Central Community College and worked as a ranch hand for A bar C Ranch in Hyannis, Nebraska. Matthew was an outdoorsman, who enjoyed working with his hands, tractor pulling and his blue-heeler.

Eric R. Seberg, a 1969 Hastings High graduate passed away on August 8, 2016. He is survived by wife, son, daughter, father, brother and sister.

Barbara A. McCord, a 1945 Hastings High graduate passed away on August 15, 2016. Barbara managed Four Seasons Gift Shop, was active in riding and showing American quarter horses, raised and sold toy poodles and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #11.

Leslie 'Les' I. Hamburger, a 1957 Hastings High graduate passed away on August 22, 2016. Les taught at Hastings Public Schools from 1965 until 1998 and was a partner of C & H Detasseling for 40 years. He coached athletics for many years and was a member of Hastings Education Association and Nebraska Coaches Association.

Shirley A Gulzow Harms, a 1954 Hastings High graduate passed away on August 20, 2016.  She was a registered nurse and was selected as the "Nebraska Nurse of the Year". While a staff nurse at Mary Lanning Hospital, she was asked to create a Home Health and Hospice
Care department.  During that career, she expanded the original department to include satellite stations in Minden, Red Cloud, and Superior.  She was also an active member of First St. Paul's Lutheran Church, serving in many capacities.  

William L. Foster, a 1964 Hastings High graduate passed away on August 21, 1968. He attended Hastings College and was a hunting guide.

Franklyn A. Widergren, a 1948 Hastings High graduate passed away on August 18, 2016. In 1952 he began work at Proctor and Gamble and also served 12 years in the National Guard. He loved fishing, hunting, antiquing and time with family, church, and friends.

Tara Reiman, a 1991 Hastings High graduate passed away on August 19, 2016. She was employed as a manager at McDonalds in Lincoln and enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren.

Shirley A. McLane, a 1954 Hastings High graduate passed away on August 21, 2016. Shirley was a registered nurse at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital and coordinator of Red Cross Bloodmobile for numerous years. She was also co-owner of McLane Jewelry.

Lisa L. Moore, a Hastings High graduate passed away on August 25, 2016. Lisa married Trenton Moore in 2002 and was a homemaker.

F. Kaye Richards, a 1965 Hastings High graduate passed away on July 4, 2016. Kaye was co-owner of Richards Janitorial Services and was on the board of the Bridge for 18 years. She was a member of AA for 31 years.

Roderick D. Waltemath Sr., a 1962 Hastings High graduate passed away on July 8, 2016. Rich served in the U.S. Navy from 1962 to 1966. He married to Phyllis Fishell in 1963 and was employed at Western Land Roller, Midwest Industrial Tool and T-L Irrigation.

William L. Howland, a 1960 Hastings High graduate passed away on July 11, 2016. He worked in private practice in Lincoln and was an assistant city attorney in Grand Island and Chadron, deputy county attorney in Hall and Scottsbluff County, Dawes County Attorney and assistant attorney general and general counsel for the Nebraska Accountability Commission.

Donald L. Anderson, a 1950 Hastings High graduate passed away on July 25, 2016. He was in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, was a private pilot and enjoyed bowling, bocce, and was a ski coach for the Special Olympics. 

Charles N. Blunt, a 1968 Hastings High graduate passed away on June 15, 2016. He belonged to the Knights of Pythias Lodge and was Grand Chancellor for Lodge No. 28. He was part owner and worked at City Optical Service. Charles loved making people laugh and loved his family.

Judy K. (Olson) Boyce, a 1974 Hastings High graduate passed away on June 2, 2016. She was a member of the Snoqualmie Valley Moose Lodge and the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Michael G. Oye, a 1977 Hastings High graduate passed away on May 29, 2016. He worked at Metz Bakery until his retirement and was a member of Second Presbyterian Church, NRA, Wildlife Foundation, Pheasants Forever and Car Club.

Michelle A. Fuller Michener, a 1976 Hastings High graduate passed away on May 9, 2016. She began here healthcare career at Hastings Regional center and continued offering her services privately and through agencies.

Shirley J. Schmidt, a 1949 Hastings High graduate passed away on May 10, 2016. She worked at Mode O Day, Children's Ark and was bakery manager and cake decorator at Russ's IGA. Shirley was a member of First United Methodist Church, Order of Eastern Star-Acacia Chapter #39, Daughters of the Nile, Red Hatters and VFW.

Rhonda S. (Scribner) Watson, a 1980 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 28, 2016. She married Perry Watson July 19, 1985 and moved to Denver Colorado. She enjoyed reading, music appreciation with her spouse and focusing on her family.

Robert E. Brown, a 1956 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 30, 2016. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958- 1960. He married Gloria Lenz in 1963 and worked for Dutton-Lainson and New Holland. He was a member of Doniphan United Methodist Church, a past volunteer fireman and a member of the Doniphan Lions Club.

Jon H. Bohlke, a 1960 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 19, 2016. He was married to Anne Bratton Fairbanks. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and was part of the chancel choir and bell choir. Jon was a member of the Chorus of the Plains, and the Boards of CASA, Hastings Symphony Orchestra, Hastings Public Schools Foundation and MONA. His generosity, love of learning and dedication to music made this community a better place.

Ronald L. Fluckey, a 1965 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 13, 2016. He was a member of the 295th Army Reserve Unit out of York Nebraska and an avid Rifle Club member.

Walter E. Baumann, a 1965 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 2, 2016. He was a private practice urologist in the Okmulgee, Oklahoma, area for 34 years. He was married to Lynette Baumann.

Robert G. Cornelius, a 1951 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 7, 2016. He was In the U.S. Marine Corp and was married to Carol Bennett. He was a professional engineer and developed and managed the Asphalt Department at Paulsen Inc. for over 32 years.

Darlene B. Veburg, a 1944 Hasting High School graduate passed away on April, 2016. Darlene was married to Ronald Veburg and had two daughters. She was the organist at First St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hastings and taught piano lessons for many years.

Bonnie L. Chamberlain, a 1958 Hastings High School graduate passed away on April 6, 2016. Bonnie was married to Ronald Chamberlain. During her lifetime, she worked for Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital, Hastings Regional Center, South Central Behavior Services/Opportunity House and Haven Home in Kenesaw. She loved to go camping, fishing and boating

John L. Black, a 1981 Hastings High School graduate passed away on April 3, 2016. His parents were Bruce and Mary Ann Black.

Derek D. Smith, a 1995 Hastings High School graduate passed away on March 30, 2016. He graduated from Wesleyan University in 1999 and was employed by MDM Solutions in Boston as Director of Land.

Donna J. Placzek, a 1963 Hastings High School graduate passed away March 30, 2016. Donna married Michael Brown in 1979 and had three children. She enjoyed camping, flower gardening, being outdoors and spending time with her grandchildren.

Arlene G. (Fredricks) Chagnon a 1955 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on March 25, 2016.  Arlene married Raymond Changon in 1965.  She enjoyed working all of her life including secretary for the Kansas Nebraska Gas Company, Social Worker for the State of Nebraska, and Wal-Mart.  Arlene loved taking care of others, quilting and gardening. 

Virginia C. Aulner, a 1956 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 25, 2016. She attended college in Ames Iowa and worked and retired from St. Joe's Creighton CHI in 2010.

Harold D. Martson a 1953 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on March 19, 2016.  Harold served in the U.S. Army and received a Purple Heart medal in Korea.  Harold married Maryls A. Kindsfater on June 17, 1960.  Harold was employed as a health inspector of Hastings for 31 years.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Hastings Disable American Veterans Chapter #9, and American Legion Post #11.  Harold was a talented artist, avid Husker fan, enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family. 

Harriet O. (Hunnicutt) Theesen a graduate of Hastings High School passed away on March 8, 2016.  Harriet married Ernest Theesen on April 18, 1948.  She was a homemaker and a lifetime member of Hanover Presbyterian Church.  She was a former member of the Merrybells Extension Club In the 1950's. 

Florence A. (Patterson) Hahn, a 1947 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on March 8, 2016.  Florence married Harold Hahn on August 20, 1949.  She worked at Woolworths and Hesteds.  She was a member of the First Christian Church and past member of the Hastings Christian Woman, Aos Club and Shrine Auxiliary.   She was a great cook and enjoyed playing cards, spending time with her family and going to movies. 

Colleen M. Brannigan, a 1955 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 6, 2016. Colleen worked as the aquatic director at the Hastings YMCA and the Hastings Regional Center. She was a member of St Cecilia's Catholic Church, Nebraska Historical Society, Adams County Historical Society, an inductee into Kappa Delta Phi and was an admiral in the Nebraska Navy.

Barbara J. (Stevenson) Cottingham a 1965 graduate of Hastings High School passed away February 26, 2016.  Barbara also graduated from Hastings College in 1969.  She married Doug Cottingham in 1969.  The couple lived in numerous cities due to job transfers.  Barb worked as a human resource director and joined many charitable organizations, including The Ronald McDonald House, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Special Olympics, Neighbors who Care and P.E.O.  

DeEtte V. (Reiber) Gerdes a graduate of Hastings High School passed away on February 7, 2016.  De also attended Hastings College.  She was a teacher in both Hastings and Grand Island.  Upon moving to Colorado, De managed The Cheese Company in Evergreen, worked at the Bank of Evergreen and the local newspaper. 

Kenneth F. Lueders, a 1975 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on Febuary 21, 2016.  Kenneth also attended Central Community College, where he played golf.  Kenny married Pam Schuck in 1981, she survives along with two children.  Kenny worked for the city of Hastings as the cemetery superintendent for Parkview Cemetery for over 40 years.  He enjoyed golf, NASCAR, Hastings College athletic events, bowling, watching softball and Nebraska football. 

Justin K. Asmus, a 1996 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on February 15, 2016.  Justin also graduated from the University of Nebraska Kearney in 2004.  He married Judy Kempf in 2012.  He worked at the Lincoln Correctional Center as a case worker.  He enjoyed playing baseball for the American Legion.  

Earl H. Warriner, a 1968 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on February 13, 2016.  Earl was born in Red Cloud and after graduating from Hastings High School went on to graduate from the Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas.  He married Kathy Damrow in 1978.  Earl worked as a truck driver for Red and White Trucing in Hastings, and Dahlsten's Trucking in Clay Center.  Earl attended North Shore Assembly of God Church. 

Joseph L. Mohlman, a 1995 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on February 2, 2016 In Twin Falls, Idaho.  Joseph served in the U.S. Army before working as a shipping and receiving clerk for Mid-America Pump & Supply, Inc. 

Clarine (Uhrich) Rosberg a 1958 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on February 2, 2016.  Clarine also graduated from the Lincoln School of Commerce.  She married Dean Rosberg in 1962.  Clarine worked for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service until becoming a parent.  She was a proud homemaker.  Clarine enjoyed working in her flower garden and attending auctions and garage sales. 

Kevin R. Lutz a 1980 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on January 20, 2016.  Kevin grew up in Hastings and attended Longfellow Elementary.  Kevin completed his bachelor of arts in communications and theatre at Hastings College.  There he met Ann Louise Sukraw. They were married in 1984.  They had four children, Alexander Powers, Audrey Anne, Elizabeth Ellen and Ivy Marie.  The couple had one grandchild.
Kevin was a self-described impresario, entrepreneur and humanitarian. Kevin was a devoted husband, loving father, a homemaker, an Eagle Scout, an Eta Phi, an actor, an artist, a poet, a singer, a dancer, a businessman, a comedian, and a master gardener.

Darrel M. Heeren, a 1954 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on January 20, 2016.  Darrel was born in rural Glenvil.  He attended grade school in rural Glenvil prior to graduating from Hastings High School.  He volunteered for the U.S. Army and served in Germany.  Darrel and Marian (Barnes) were married on July 10, 1960.  The couple had three children and five grandchildren.  Darrell worked at McDonald's Department Store Warehouse, Garvey Elevator and Farmland Industries.  He enjoyed woodworking and refinishing furniture, gardening, attending auctions.  His main hobby was refurbishing antique corn equipment which he showed at farm shows in several states.  Darrell was a past board member of the Adams County Fair Board and served as president for two terms.  He fought a long and hard battle against Parkinson's disease. 

Dallas L. Bramble, a former graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on January 26, 2016.  Dallas was born and raised in Hastings.  He married Nita Irene Clark in 1943.  The couple had two sons, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.   Dallas worked for Hastings Coca-Cola Bottling Company for thirty years and later worked at Consolidated Motor Freight Company until he retired.  Dallas was a charter member of the Hastings Ducks Unlimited Chapter.

Joseph D. "Joe" Wynn, a 1968 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on January 23, 2016.  After graduation, Joe worked for Vontz Paving Inc. and Werner Construction.  In the construction off season, he worked at Kitty's Bar.  In 1979 Joe began his career as a truck driver for Pick's Pack-Hauler until his retirement due to health reasons.  In 1991 he received the Driver of the Month Award from Nebraska Trucker Magazine for achieving two million miles without an accident.  Joe said that many miles were two trips to the moon and back.  He enjoyed seeing all that there was to see while driving.  Joe also liked to fish and hunt especially at Harlan County.

Robert R. Dinnell, a graduate of Hastings Public Schools, passed away on January 23, 2016.  Robert was born in McCook, Nebraska and later moved to the Hastings area.  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a captain in the National Guard for a combined service total of 34 years.  He married Joyce Daniels in 1947.  The couple had two sons and two daughters, nine grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.  He was a letter carrier with the Hastings Post Office for 34 years.  Robert was a deacon in his church.  He was a Cub and Boy Scout leader and an YMCA Indian guide.  Robert was a member of the Red Cross Disaster Relief, the National Association of Letter Carriers and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.  He enjoyed working in the yard and garden.

Ardyce M. (Goldenstein) Ernst a 1950 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away January 27, 2016.  Ardyce was born at Inland, Nebraska.  She married L. Keith Ernst in 1952.  The couple had four children.  Ardyce worked as a technician for the Hastings Regional Center for 32 years.  She was a member of First St. Paul's Lutheran Church.