Hastings Alumni Obituaries 2023
- Wayne E Kloppenborg, a 1957 Hastings High graduate passed away on December 16, 2023. He served in the United States Army and retired from Whelan Energy Center in 2001.
- Delores (Baker) Wilder, a 1949 Hastings High graduate passed away on December 21, 2023. She was employed as a clerk by the Lincoln Telephone Company and Ideal Truck Line.
- Margaret (Dickerson) Bruckman, a 1947 Hastings High graduate passed away on December 21, 2023. She was a homemaker and a clerk at Pastime Lanes and Meyerson Distributing in Hastings.
- Keith D Woodard, a 1980 Hastings High graduate passed away on December 21, 2023. He served in the United States Navy and was employed as a firefighter, EMT, paramedic and Sheriff.
- Victor Einspahr, a 1960 Hastings High graduate passed away on December 23, 2023. He held many jobs but for 15 years held the position of secretary/treasurer for Bee County Fire protection Association and 18 years for the Guadalupe Fire Fighters’ and Fire Marshalls’ Association Inc.
- Judith J (Jurgena) Marifisi, a 1960 Hastings High graduate passed away on December 25, 2023. She was a homemaker.
- Elizabeth C (Camby) Wiseman, a 1962 Hastings High graduate passed away on December 28, 2023. She was a homemaker and secretary for Wiseman Construction.
- Mary S. (Davis) Geisler, a 1978 Hastings High graduate passed away on December 11, 2023. She owned and operated Bob Cat’s Den Restaurant in Blue Hill and worked as a nurse's aide at Mary Lanning Healthcare.
- James L. Searle, a 1953 Hastings High graduate passed away on December 7, 2023. He served in the United States Marine Corps and then worked for Hastings Motor Truck, continuing there as a co-owner until his retirement in 1999.
- Cheryl L (Rutt) Hoban, a 1966 Hastings High graduate passed away on December 2, 2023. She was a homemaker and enjoyed cooking and horticulture.
oyce M (Halloway) Halbmaier, a 1964 Hastings High graduate passed away on December 6, 2023. She worked in Mary Lanning Healthcare in the laundry department for 33 years and was camp host for 7 years at Mormon Island in Doniphan.- Terri (Richardson) Siebrass, a 1976 Hastings High graduate passed away on December 4, 2023. She served in the United States Air Force and worked at the Hastings Public Schools and was a school nurse for the last four years.
- Colleen A (Pettengill) Dedrick, a 1963 Hastings High graduate passed away on December 2, 2023. She owned and operated a daycare and provided care for 35 years.
- Delma Jeanne (Whiting) Ruxton, a 1957 Hastings High graduate passed away on November 22, 2023. She worked as a telephone operator for LT&T and at Mid-Nebraska Individual Services.
- Helen R ( Freeman) LaPorte, a 1958 Hastings High graduate passed away on November 23, 2023. She worked as activities director for Good Samaritan Village Independent Living for 26 years.
- Ada (Mullen) Robinson, a 1958 Hastings High graduate passed away on November 13, 2023. She was a teacher at Clinton Elementary in Lincoln for 30 plus years.
- Rosalyn M (Schmidt) Fox, a 1963 Hastings High graduate passed away on November 10, 2023. She worked for Mary Lanning Healthcare for 20 years as a ICU and surgical nurse, then to the State of Nebraska Regional Center and then to the Nebraska State Veterans Home in Grand Island.
- Bradley J Kuehn, a 1969 Hastings High graduate passed away on November 9, 2023. He worked for Kansas/Nebraska Natural Gas Company and owned BJK Land Services Inc.
- Margaret J (Gundersen) Piel, a 1962 Hastings High graduate passed away on October 25, 2023. She owned and operated a housekeeping business for the elderly and homebound.
- Philip F Werner Jr., a 1971 Hastings High graduate passed away on November 1, 2023. Phil was president of Werner Construction where he worked from childhood until his death.
- Ethan W. Moorhead Sr., a 1975 Hastings High graduate passed away on October 27, 2023. He worked as a crane operator in an oil field in Texas, in maintenance at Hastings Equity Grain Bin Co., and then Hastings Industries for 15 years.
- Audrey (Thomas) Marx, a 1950 Hastings High graduate passed away on October 17, 2023. She was a first grade teacher at Longfellow Elementary and then a homemaker.
- Jane (Rincker) Brooks, a 1948 Hastings High graduate passed away on October 11, 2023.She spent some time as an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha teaching art and tutoring students.
- Robert R Gerard, a 1982 Hastings High graduate passed away on October 23, 2023. He served in the United States Army and worked for JBS Swift for 26 years and WR Reserve for 7 years.
- Mark A Placke, a 1984 Hastings High graduate passed away on October 18, 2023. He worked for Lifestyle Kitchens for 20 years.
- Gary L Allison, a 1971 Hastings High graduate passed away on October 18, 2023. He worked for Hastings Irrigation, KHAS- TV, Marshalltown Instruments and Nebraska Educational Telecommunications.
- Diana M (Brown) Larsen, a 1961 Hastings High graduate passed away on October 15, 2023. She worked for Great Plains Packaging for 31 years.
- Richard L Marquardt, a 1944 Hastings High graduate passed away on October 20, 2023. He served in the United States Army and was a parts salesman for Friends Motor Supply for over 40 years.
- Carl E Bauman Jr, a 1974 Hastings High graduate passed away on October 24, 2023. He worked for the City of Hastings Parks and Recreation Department for grounds maintenance for over 40 years.
- Jack D Meyerhoeffer, a Hastings High graduate passed away on October 13, 2023. He worked at Uerlings Furniture store, Cash-Way Candy and Nebraska Prime.
- Eva June (Gronewold) Peters, a 1944 Hastings High graduate passed away on October 11, 2023. She worked as a waitress for many years until she retired.
- Simuel M Mullen a 1964 Hastings High graduate passed away on September 30, 2023. He served in the United States Navy as a Seabee. He worked for the John R Morreale Meat Company in Chicago IL.
- James L Prevette, a 1989 Hastings High graduate passed away on October 10, 2023. He worked at Hastings Regional center for a combined 18 years and then Corteva Agriscience in Doniphan.
- Maynard R Huntley, a 1955 Hastings High graduate passed away on September 30, 2023. He worked for Western Electric for 5 years and then for NASA Control Central as well as Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and shuttle flights.
- Richard J Portwood, a 1976 Hastings High graduate passed away on October 5, 2023. He worked in marketing and sales for Cornhusker Press and 23 years with Field Paper Company in Omaha. He also served on the HPS Foundation board from 2010 - 2016; and served as President in 2015.
- Vicky (Stelzer) Hittner, a 1966 Hastings High graduate passed away on October 2, 2023. She was a secretary at Keystone Baptist Church and teller at Heritage Bank.
- Joseph P Wright, a 1989 Hastings High graduate passed away on September 30, 2023. He was a car salesman in the area.
- Daniel L Moore, a 1970 Hastings High School graduate passed away on September 24, 2023. He was a factory and elevator worker in the Hastings community, and in the food service industry working at Taylor’s Steak House and Kitty’s Roadhouse.
- Gary L Welch, a 1962 Hastings High School graduate passed away on September 24, 2023. He worked as a school social worker, a family therapist, and a psychiatric social worker for over 40 years.
- Steve E Harms, a 1974 Hastings High School graduate passed away on September 21, 2023. He was a well respected high school football coach and later the athletic director until he retired.
- Del Snoberger, a 1965 Hastings High School graduate passed away on September 11, 2023. He served in the United States Army and has a 32 year career in the insurance industry.
- Melvin D Bunde, a 1950 Hastings High School graduate passed away on September 6, 2023. He served in the United States Army and retired from City National/Heritage Bank after 40 years as Senior Vice President and cashier.
- David A Haase, a 1965 Hastings High School graduate passed away on September 11, 2023. He worked as a mason at the Hastings Regional Center for 40 years till retirement.
- Benjamin L Shaw, a 2008 Hastings High School graduate passed away on September 4, 2023. He worked for Bauer Underground for the last six years.
- James R Hoffman, a 2049 Hastings High School graduate passed away on August 29, 2023. He served in the United State Army during the Korean War and was with the Hastings Fire Department for 40 years until retirement.
- Raelynn J Dobrovolny, a 2019 Hastings High School graduate passed away on August 30, 2023. She worked at Arby’s for three years before becoming disabled.
- Angela M (Mangers) Kocher, a 1990 Hastings High School graduate passed away on September 1, 2023. Ascension Via Christi Health Systems nurse practitioner.
- Kathy A (Moorhead) Strong, a 1973 Hastings High School graduate passed away on September 1, 2023. She was the co-owner and manager of Bullseye Sports Bar and Grille and managed many other businesses.
- Destiny R Ashley, a 2018 Hastings High School graduate passed away on August 20, 2023. She was the current general manager of Taco Bell in Hastings.
- Elizabeth A (DuBous) Hayek, a 1948 Hastings High School graduate passed away on August 11, 2023. She worked at the Naval Ammunition Depot, OP Skagg, Mode O’ Day, Hastings School Lunch program.
- Ronald B. Ross , a 1949 Hastings High School graduate passed away on July 27, 2023. He served in the United States Air Force and worked for Friends Motor Supply and retired from NAPA Auto Parts in 2005.
- Wendell E Starr, a 1953 Hastings High School graduate passed away on August 8, 2023. He served in the United States National Guard and was co-founder and charter of member of NC+ Hybrids Seed Company.
- Pamela E (Jones) Klitz, a 1962 Hastings High School graduate passed away on August 2, 2023. She had various retail jobs throughout her life.
- Marcia J (Toon) Ruona, a 1970 Hastings High School graduate passed away on July 31, 2023. She worked in social work and owned a freelance graphic design company - Gable Graphics. She also was an art teacher for 20 years.
- Marlene I (Siemers) Hoyt, a 1963 Hastings High School graduate passed away on July 31, 2023. She was a secretary for Bob Allen and an employee for City National Bank for 35 years, finishing out her career with Five Points Bank.
- Charles R Morgan, a 1964 Hastings High School graduate passed away on July 20, 2023. HE served in the United States Army and retired from NAPA Auto Parts.
- Gary L Krull, a 1962 Hastings High School graduate passed away on July 18, 2023. He served in the National Guard and worked many occupations.
- Theodore F VonKampen, a 1959 Hastings High School graduate passed away on July 18, 2023. He worked in California at Rocketdyne Division of North America Aviation as part of the Saturn V Team. Then returning to Nebraska to TRW Capacitors, Industrial Midwec and he worked remotely for many capacitor corporations
- Kristen A (Hedstrom) Rol, a 1974 Hastings High School graduate passed away on June 26, 2023. She worked as the City Hostess in Hastings during the 80’s and then at Mary Lanning Hospital as the night switchboard operator.
- Jerry E Holmes, a 1962 Hastings High graduate passed away on July 7, 2023. He was in the Army National Guard and worked as an electrician and owned his own business
- Janice C (Grothen) Brown, a 1960 Hastings High graduate passed away on June 30, 2023. She worked many nursing jobs and then as Nurse Director at Dakota County Health Department for 16 years until retirementMichael D Cary, a 1973 Hastings High School graduate passed away on June 25, 2023. He worked in the oil and gas industry until he retired in 1970.
- Russell A Bramble, a 1943 Hastings High graduate passed away on June 29, 2023. He was in the United States Navy and received the American Theater, Asiatic Pacific Theater, Philippine Liberation, Good Conduct, Japanese Occupation and Purple Heart Awards.
- Barbara G Hinrichs, a 1958 Hastings High graduate passed away on June 18, 2023. She worked as an occupational therapist at the Hastings Regional Center for 41 years.
- Steve K Portenier, a 1970 Hastings High graduate passed away on June 20, 2023. He served in the United States Navy and Army National Guard. He then started his own business, Wood Furniture Repair and then retired from Hastings College Maintenance Department.
- Deborah Hardin Quirk, a 1968 Hastings High graduate passed away on June 19, 2023. While in high school she hosted her own radio show on KHAS Radio and in 1973 served as the Development Director for Central Community College Hastings and later as Communications Director at Central Community College Grand Island.
- Kristen A (Hedstrom) Rol, a 1974 Hastings High graduate passed away on June 26, 2023.
- Milton L Lisius, a 1953 Hastings High graduate passed away on June 8, 2023. He farmed for many years and served on various boards in the area.
- Dr. Nathan E Bruce, a 2001 Hastings High graduate passed away on January 17, 2020. He was a psychiatrist at Community Alliance in Omaha.
- Joan M (Karr) Stamer, a 1951 Hastings High graduate passed away on May 30, 2023. She was a homemaker, waitress at Driesbachs and Blue Moon, and served lunch for Grand Island Public Schools at Stolley Park School
- Naomi Fay (Engelhardt) Thiel, a 1952 Hastings High graduate passed away on May 29, 2023. She worked at the Telephone Co., Schweser's, Woolworth’s, Adams County Senior Services as a dispatcher, was a para and taught golf at Hastings High School, delivery service, and owned and operated Jakes Drive in Clay center for 9 years retiring in 1988.
- Jared C. Hemberger, a 2003 Hastings High graduate passed away on May 26, 2023. He worked for Royal Composites as a product development supervisor.
- Shirley (Morris) Chrisman, a Hastings High graduate passed away on May 17, 2023. She was a daycare provider and sold Avon.
- Shirley I (Siemoneit) Maul, a 1974 Hastings High graduate passed away on May 18, 2023. She was an office manager at Principal Financial Group.
- Bonnie J (Jones) Guthrie, a 1948 Hastings High graduate passed away on May 13, 2023. She was the administrative secretary to the Superintendent of the Hastings Public Schools for 23 years.
- JoAnn M (Redinger) Hinrichs, a 1946 Hastings High graduate passed away on May 2, 2023. She worked for Lincoln Telephone Company, owned and operated Hinrichs Drive-In Beverage, Capri Motel and Village Bottle Shop.
- Robert Borchers, a 1971 Hastings High graduate passed away on May 7, 2023. Bob worked for the State Department of Roads for 40 years.
- Stacy J (Clonch) Meyer, a 1994 Hastings High graduate passed away on May 4, 2023. She was a hairstylist for 29 years.
- Timothy A Kohout, a 1976 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 28, 2023. He worked at Carmichael Construction and Good Samaritan Village as a carpenter.
- Rhonda A. (Priel) Sanford, a 1981 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 24, 2023. She was a member of First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and attended First Presbyterian Church with family.
- James D. Hahne, a 1957 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 24, 2023. He served in the United States Navy and worked as a dispatcher for Nebraska Public Power District until his retirement in 2002.
- Carol L. (Schiefelbein) Stewart, a 1966 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 16, 2023. She was a LPN and started her own research company, Rocky Mountain Research, which she owned and ran for 28 years.
- Clayton D. Kent, a 1953 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 16, 2023. Her served in the United States Army, supervised grocery stores and owned and operated Kent’s Jack and Jill in Seward until retirement.
- Margaret L.(Davidson) Amack, a 1960 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 14, 2023. She worked at Amack Skelly Service Station, Davidson’s Nursery and Greenhouse and KMart.
- Jacqueline (Kennard) Douglas, a 1952 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 12, 2023. She was a homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ.
- Thomas Dodson, a 1960 Hastings High graduate passed away on April 5, 2023. He served in the United States Navy and worked at Ingleside State Hospital, the V.A. Hospital in Grand Island, the Village of Giltner and Case New Holland.
- Carla Rae Dahl, a 1968 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 4, 2023. She was an RN and the Director of Patient Services at Doctor’s Medical Center.
- Karen (Krebs) Austin, a 1961 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 5, 2023. She retired from Dutton-Lainson in 2003.
- Robert J Kehn, a 1948 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 8, 2023. He served in the United States Army and was a foundryman at Spritz Foundry and a foreman at Hastings Irrigation for 18 years.
- William R Mitchell, a 1951 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 9, 2023. He served in the United States Army and worked for the VA Hospital in the medical supplies department.
- Christie Mae Gilbert, a 1984 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 12, 2023. She worked as a CNA and med aide.
- Vernon D. Naggatz, a 1947 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 8, 2023. He worked for Moore Business Forms for 40 years.
- Vicki A. ( Williams) Griffin, a 1971 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 16, 2023. She worked in the food service industry for 20 years before retiring.
- Gayle L Schlachter, a 1962 Hastings High graduate passed away on March 19, 2023. He served in the United States National Guard and worked for Consolidated Motor Freight for 30 years until retirement.
- Richard R Paddock I, a 1948 Hastings High graduate passed away on February 2, 2023. He served in the United States Navy and was an electrical engineer.
- LT. Col. Terrance A Copple, a 1961 Hastings High graduate passed away on February 21, 2023. He served in the United States Army for 32 years and worked as a law enforcement officer for the Aurora Police Department, a guard at the South Carolina State Department of Corrections and security for Hastings Good Samaritan Village.
- Mark S. Hawes, a 1973 Hastings High graduate passed away on February 15, 2023. He was an accounting clerk in and around the Hastings area and worked for the IRS in Lincoln NE in the 1990’s.
- Janice E (Greene) Hemberger, a 1957 Hastings High graduate passed away on February 17, 2023. She spent most of her career as the school secretary at Mary Blair Elementary School.
- Laurence H. Sowers, a 1954 Hastings High graduate passed away on February 21, 2023. He served in the United States Army and was a Vietnam veteran. He worked at Debus Baking Company and retired from Metz Baking Company in 1994. He served on the committee for the Adams County Veterans Memorial Project.
- Machelle S. (Pontine) Neemeyer, a 1983 Hastings High graduate passed away on January 23, 2023. She worked at Keystone Baptist as secretary, home schooled her children and later managed the Barn Candle Company.
- Walter J. Walker, a 1948 Hastings High graduate passed away on January 27, 2023. He was in the United States Navy as an aviation machinist mate. He worked for Hastings Utilities and the U.S. Postal Service.
- Melissa D. (Powell) Kennedy, a 1987 Hastings High graduate passed away on January 23, 2023. She worked for the Omaha World-Herald and Hastings Tribune and The Odyssey.
- Bernice (Kroger) Rakestraw, a 1953 Hastings High graduate passed away on January 22, 2023. She worked in the nursing field in Lincoln, Overton, Hastings and Estes Park.
- June A. Koch, a Hastings High attendee passed away on January 5, 2023. She worked for Philips Clothing Store and Big G in Hastings,.
- Antoinette S. (Lorence) Petersen, a 1973 Hastings High graduate passed away on January 10, 2023. She worked for Hastings Regional Center, Mary Lanning Hospital and the U.S. Postal Service.
- Gregory L. Reiner, a 1972 Hastings High graduate passed away on January 10, 2023. He was self-employed as a tool-and-die maker throughout his life.
