Hastings Alumni Obituaries 2011

These are only obituaries that appeared in the Hastings Tribune during 2011 and they are in the order in which they appeared in the paper.

• Ernestine Sigel Crabtree, a 1928 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2011. She was a member of First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Lutheran League, and sang in the church choir. She was also active in PTA, church circle, taught Sunday school, was a member of senior fellowship and was superintendent of Sunday school.

• Rosalie Hinrichs Reeg, a 1953 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2011. She worked at Mary Lanning Hospital, Genoa Community Hospital, Drs. Dalton and Bass, Dr. Goli, and Genoa Long Term care before retiring in 2007, after 50 years of nursing. She was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church and had served on the Church Council there, and the Genoa American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed fishing, gambling, traveling, and attending her grandchildren’s activities.

• Irene Belz Fronning, a 1970 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2011. She was employed by the Hastings Regional Center for 37 years, retiring on December 1, 2011. She was a member of the Juniata United Methodist Church and was an admiral of the Nebraska Navy two different times.

• Donna Laubon Grothen, a 1946 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2011. Donna was a homemaker, was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and was past chairwoman of the women's WELCA. She was actively involved in Christian Woman's Club and weekly Bible studies. She was a volunteer as a Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare Pink Lady and helped with Red Cross blood drives.

• Kathryn Wacker Parsons, a Hastings High graduate, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2011. She worked at Hested’s Five and Dime, was a homemaker, and worked with the J.M. McDonald Company. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hastings.

• David Cottam, a 1971 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Friday, December 9, 2011. David married Connie Elliott on March 22, 1974 in Hastings. He was currently employed at ThermoKing in the shipping office.

• Richard Foote, a 1951 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Friday, December 9, 2011. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-56 and in the reserves for two years. He received the Good Conduct Medal and the Korean Service Medal. He was always very proud of his country and proud to be an American. He was very involved in the community and churches wherever he lived.

• Michael McGrath, a 1954 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2011. After college he served in the Navy and then was a Minor League pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles. Mike enjoyed playing golf with his entire family. He was the President of Mills County Bank in Glenwood and later opened his own financial service agency that he operated until his retirement.

• Ronald Warburton, a Hastings High graduate, passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2011. Ronald worked as a postal contractor for 28 years and as a heavy equipment operator for road contstruction for 25 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

• Dorothy Stromer Mohling, a 1945 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Monday, November 14, 2011. She was an avid seamstress, loved to square dance, enjoyed crocheting, knitting and raising flowers. She was an active member of First St. Paul's Lutheran Church, making quilts with the sewing group and also helped with church luncheons. She was also a member of the Modern Homemakers group of Hastings.

• Ernest Erxleben, a Hastings High graduate, passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2011. Since 1989, he was a Nebraska Certified Crop Production Advisor and was a National Weather Service Observer for 15 years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Bartlett and enjoyed Nebraska football.

• Betty Snell Uridil, a 1941 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on November 1, 2011. She and her husband Jack lived on Cottonwoods Farm near Kenesaw until 1987 when they retired and moved to Colorado Springs to be near their adult children. Betty was an artist and an entertainer who volunteered at the Colorado Springs Senior Center where she taught tap and jazz. She was also the co-director and choreographer for the Mountain Mamas and the Rockyettes.

• Howard Morris, a 1939 alum of Hastings High School, passed away on Friday, October 28, 2011. He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII, then worked at Metz Bakery as a bun maker for 33 years.

• Glenn 'Swanee' Swanson, a 1962 alum of Hastings High School, passed away on Wednesday, October 5, 2011. Glenn enjoyed golfing, gambling, spending time with his grandchildren and was a history buff. He was a member of the Elks, Southern Hills, and served on the board of the Central Nebraska Senior Golf Association.

• Helen Runge Stock, a 1945 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Monday, September, 26, 2011. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, reading, golfing at Southern Hills and cheering on the Big Red. Her greatest joy in life though, was her three children and then later, spending time with her grand and great-grandchildren.

• Terri Vopalka Adler, 1965 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2011. She loved family gatherings, playing on her organ, trips to the mountains, sewing, drawing, painting and collecting dolls.

• Linda Smith Onken, a 1961 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2011. Linda cherished her family, enjoyed genealogy, watching movies, was an avid reader and enjoyed taking trips (even if it was just to her second home, Walmart). She was fantastically funny and had a sharp wit. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary.

• Lois Frerichs Nuss, a 1937 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2011. Lois was an active member of the Giltner United Methodist Church, the GGG Club, and the Greenwood Club.

• Charles R. Baker, a 1938 alum of Hastings High School, passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2011. Charles owned and operated Charles Baker Builders. He enjoyed building and woodworking and built homes for all of his children.

• Eugene 'Skip' Foote II, a 1962 graduate of Hastings High, passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2011. He graduated from Hastings College and obtained his law degree at Denver University. He practiced law in Hastings for over 41 years.

• Thelma Wright Fidler, a 1942 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Thelma served on the Board of the Adams County Historical Society and was very involved in maintaining the history of Hastings and Adams County. She was also a member of Eastern Star and Daughter of the Nile. She loved family history and did extensive genealogy.

• Clair "Luwane" Nelson, a 1942 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Luwane was a member of the Zion Wanda Lutheran Church near Juniata, was on the church council, was a Sunday School teacher and sang in the choir. He was also a member of the Nebraska Angus Association, a 4-H Leader for 49 years, a member of the Adams County Ag Society, the Chamber Ag Committee, the Adams County Extension Board and 4-H Council.

• Rogene Laux Rainforth, a 1955 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Monday, July 18, 2011. Rogene was a member of First United Methodist Church, volunteered at Mary Lanning Hospital and was a past member of the Lamplighters. She liked playing bridge, Saturday morning breakfast with friends, spending time with family and attending and supporting her grandchildren and nephew's sporting/school activities.

• Neal Kohl, a 1956 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2011. Neal enjoyed being outdoors and spending time with his family. His favorite activities included hunting, fishing, and boating, especially with his children and grandchildren. Neal also enjoyed bowling and was still a fierce competitor averaging close to 180 in recent years.

• Ron Weber, a 1979 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Tuesday, July 12, 2011. He was a member of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Make-A-Wish and Midget Football Boards, coached youth sports, was a Hastings High Booster and was involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Ron was head tech inspector at Mid-Nebraska Speedway and was an avid sports fan. His family was the joy of his life.

• Donna Parks Larson, a 1947 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2011. Donna was a very social person who enjoyed getting to know people. She loved a good game of bridge and acquired extraordinary skills as a genealogist. In recent years, she enjoyed doting on her granddaughter. Her wit, intelligence, sprightly sociability and love is deeply missed by friends and family alike.

• Fred Bunde, a 1945 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Saturday, July 9, 2011. Fred's career focus was in healthcare administration and he held a number of hospital administration and business positions. He was a lifetime Elks lodge member and associated with the Carmichael Traveling Elks for 35 years.

• Kenneth Gray, a 1968 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Monday, July 4, 2011. Ken's quest in life, and his driving force, was a thirst for knowledge. Ken's love of life and ability to make long friendships filled his life with many memories and friends. Toward the end, he cherished his time with his two thoroughbread horses, Dan's Dream and Bumper's Shadow.

• Wesley Mohling, a 1943 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2011. He was a member of the Nebraska Sate Square and Round Dance Association, Legacy, Prairie Conclave, Callerlab and the Nebraska Square Dance Callers and Cuer Association. He also enjoyed going to antique machinery sales and shows, as well as collecting machinery. He was a lifetime member of First St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

• Sandra Rader Schultz, a 1961 alum of Hastings High School, passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2011. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hastings and loved spending time with family, traveling and dancing. Some of her favorite things were Elvis, fried shrimp and Tic Tacs.

• Doris Carmichael James, a Hastings High graduate, passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2011. She and her husband traveled the world extensively and enjoyed entertaining their family and friends at their home at Johnson Lake. She was a member of the Daughters of the Nile, Hastings College Alumni, and the Girl Scouts of America.

• Grace Koepp, a 1934 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Friday, June 24, 2011. She and her husband farmed and she also worked at the Jaden Manufacturing Company. She worked with various dance bands through the years and enjoyed sewing, gardening and crafts.

• Norma Adler Armstrong, a 1944 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2011. She worked at the Naval Ammunition Depot, Cornhusker Plant, and Ag-tronics known as Colemans. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and was a past member of the Eagles.

• David Weingart, a 1957 alum of Hastings High, passed away on June 19, 2011 after a long fight against cancer. During his medical career he established his own corporation Pathology Services, that served various areas in Arizona. He was known for his outstanding character, generosity of spirit and sense of humor. In his own words, "I may not know where the time has gone, but I know I couldn't have spent it better."

• Dale Ocker, 54, (a Hastings High graduate class of 1975) of Littleton, died June 17, 2011. He is survived by his wife, Sandy; son, Chris; sister, Karen (Jack) Vogel; nephews, Fred and Nolan Vogel, in-laws, Norm and Iris Damon, and Betty Damon Blecker; brother, Lou Ocker; niece, Kaitlyn Ocker.

• William 'Bill' Halsey Jr. passed away on Friday, June 17, 2011. Bill attended school in Hastings and at Central Community College where he became certified in cabinet making. Bill worked as the supervising custodian for Hastings Junior High School. He enjoyed Golden Glove Boxing when he was younger and later became a Black Belt. He bravely battled cancer for three years.

• Stephen Haberman, a 1962 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Friday, June 17, 2011. Steve was a third generation photographer and owned Haberman of Hastings in Hastings and McCook, NE. Steve was an active member of First Assembly of God Church and enjoyed photography, fishing, hunting, model airplanes and spending time with his family and friends.

• Lois Cornelius, a Hastings High graduate, passed away Thursday, June 16, 2011 at the age of 97. She worked at Lincoln Telephone, Debus Bakery and the Naval Ammunition Depot. She loved antiques, art, garage sales, her garden, trees, vacationing, and most of all, her family.

• Robert King, a 1946 graduate of Hastings High, passed away June 8, 2011. Bob was a talented welder and also enjoyed taking his family on yearly vacations to the western states where they camped, fished and visited historic sites and National parks. He was a loving husband and father who was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors.

• Donita L. McKown, Hastings High graduate, passed away June 11, 2011. After high school Donita attended Central Community College and then worked at the Hastings Regional Center as a transcriptionist. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church.

• Brandon Keever, a 2000 graduate of Hastings High, passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2011. His biggest pride and joy in his life was his son Brenden. He enjoyed outdoor activites that he could do with family and friends and was a beloved father, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.

• Helen Katzberg, a Hastings High graduate, passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2011. She was a homemaker and enjoyed crocheting, gardening and painting.

• Ruth Neilson, a 1934 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Wednesday, May 18, 2011. She enjoyed being involved in school and social activities including PTA, Cub Scouts and Little League. She was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church and volunteered in the office there. She also enjoyed china painting and traveling.

• Nadine Schiefelbein, a 1945 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2011. Nadine lived in the Hastings area most of her life and worked at the Barrel Bar for over 30 years. She was a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Pro Cathedral.

• Joann Payne, a 1972 graduate of Hastings High, passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2011. She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, was a past President of People's First and was a client of Mosaic.

• M. Virginia Anderson, a 1936 graduate of Hastings High, passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2011. She was employed at City National Bank for over 37 years and after retiring, worked at Saint Mark's Pro-Cathedral. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church for over 75 years.

• Wallace (Wally) Hopp, a 1941 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Monday, April 25, 2011. Wally attended UNL and then served in the U.S. Army from February of 1943 to November of 1945. He was a member of the First Christian Church, the Nebraska Golf Association and the V.F.W.

• Edna Weber, a Hastings High alum, passed away on April 19, 2011. She was a homemaker and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a lifelong member of the New York Avenue Congregational Church and felt great joy in serving others. Edna was also a member of the Adams County Historical Society and the German-Russian Society.

• Pauline Miller, a Hastings High alum, passed away on April 12, 2011. Pauline was a school teacher in Fullerton, Henderson, Hastings and Hastings College and also taught in Dallas Texas.

• Harriet Koepke, a Hastings High Alum, passed away on April 14, 2011. Harriet enjoyed sewing and quilting and the joy she felt from distributing her blankets and quilts to those in need here at home and around the world. She also enjoyed playing bridge and pitch and made many lifelong friends through her card clubs.

• Harold Wagner, a Hastings High alum, passed away on Tuesday, April 12, 2011. Wagner, 102, was a clerk for the U.S. Postal Service for 35 years, was a member of the Berean Bible Church and served on the Hastings Airport Authority for seven years.

• Ronald K. Kalber, a 1981 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2011. He attended CCC in Hastings and was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

• Janel L. Foote, a 1968 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on March 27, 2011. Janel was an accomplished pilot and loved to fly. She was also a great business woman, earning the Hastings Business and Professional Woman of the Year award in 1985 and 1986. She was a wonderful mother, daughter and grandmother and will be missed by many.

• Donald Bassett, a 1938 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on March 26, 2011. Don loved to bake and cook and loved to make homemade jellies at Christmas time. He was always building or repairing something at his home and was always ready to take on any project.

• Leon Davis, a Hastings High School alum, passed away on March 23, 2011. Born in the family home in Hastings, Leon experienced a youth in the Great Depression, volunteered into the U.S. Navy during WWII, enjoyed a career as a chemical engineer then came back to Hastings to complete his life.

• Walter L. Golden, a 1942 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on March 21, 2011. After high school Walter served in the U.S. Army in the European Theater during World War II. He then lived in Hastings, Iowa and the Pacific Northwest. Finally he returned to Hastings and worked on diesel engines for the Burlington Northern Railroad. He retired in 1986 and spent many years raising vegetable gardens before his health failed and he moved to Good Samaritan.

• Leola Lay, a 1948 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2011. She was a devoted wife and mother to her family. She was well known for her baking abilities, especially pies and bread. Her other interests involved her vegetable garden, roses, pansies and cooking.

• Anita P. Rosch, a 1942 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on March 13, 2011. After school, she worked at the Naval Ammunition Depot where she met her future husband. They were married for 64 years and loved to do everything together, including traveling and fishing. From 1955-1962 she ran Pine Haven Nursing Home and then worked at Mode-O-Day until its closing. She loved her family and was a homemaker.

• Rosemary G. Roth, a 1939 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on March 4, 2011. She was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and held an office in the Altar Society and the Catholic Daughters throughout her life.

• Wayne Sundling, a 1952 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on February 15, 2011. Wayne loved and cherished his family, friends, pets, the outdoors, his faith, holidays (especially the 4th of July and Christmas), celebrations, a good hunt, his sports teams (the Cards, Chiefs and Cornhuskers), a practical joke, a good book, the value of learning, an adventure, a "lengthy errand", a spirited conversation, hearty competition, great food, a stiff Manhattan and a fine cigar.

• Kurt A Weseman, a 1988 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on February 14, 2011. He will be remembered by his family and friends as a dependable, compassionate and well respectable individual as well as a devoted family man. He was a huge Husker fan and enjoyed attending games. He also enjoyed family camping trips and traveling.

• Vera Winsor, a 1940 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on February 9, 2011. She greatly enjoyed music and played the piano, accordion, and organ all by ear. She was a member of First St. Paul's Lutheran Church and had received many awards and recognition for her volunteer work, including Volunteer of the year.

• Glen R. Hartman, a 1959 graduate of HHS, passed away Friday, January 28, 2011. His hobbies included bowling, billiards, and baseball. His passion was his family and he lived for attending their activities and events.

• Carroll A. Wyman, a Hastings High graduate, passed away on Thursday, January 27, 2011. He served his country during WWII in the Army Air Corps from September 10, 1943, until October 17, 1945. He was a ball turret gunner on a B-24 and was a prisoner of war in Germany for 10 months. He worked at Debus Baking Company for 11 years and for Hastings Utilities for 33 years. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor.

• Dorothy J. Rader, a 1946 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2011. After graduation Dorothy worked at the Lincoln Telephone Company and the Treasurer's office at the Adams County Courthouse. She was a member of St. Cecilia's Catholic Church. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister and will be remembered for her friendly smile.

• Thelma F. Pedersen, a 1934 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Monday, January 17, 2011. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for 66 years, the Acacia Chapter #39 OES, Tehama Shrine Auxiliary, YWCA and Royal Neighbors of America. She served as a member of the Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital Auxiliary with over 3,000 hours of service. She also volunteered with the American Red Cross and Bloodmobile.

• Dr. Jack L. McCleery, a 1954 graduate of Hastings High, passed away on Monday, January 17, 2011. Dr. McCleery was a doctor of internal medicine at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for 30 years. He was greatly appreciated by his patients and highly respected by his colleagues. He was a beloved teacher and mentor of medical students, residents, and fellows at the Dartmouth Medical School.

• Vervie 'Bobbie' M. Aman, a Hastings High School graduate, passed away on Monday, January 17, 2011. She moved from Ayr back to Hastings in 1976 and worked at the Regional Center in food service for 26 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hastings.

• Evadne Vaughan, a 1944 graduate of Hastings High, passed away January 4, 2011. Evadne was a member of the First United Methodist Church, PEO Chapter G, Fish Fry, Outlook Book Club, and her literary group, the Finches of the Grove. Over the years, she volunteered at the Public Library, was on the symphony board, and loved hosting various Rotary students from abroad.

• Betty Kohl, a 1942 graduate of HHS, passed away on January 1, 2011. After graduation Betty married Charles Kohl and they lived in Hastings and then Lincoln, before moving to Ogallala. There they established Kohl Motors, a Chevrolet/Buick dealership.