Hastings Alumni Obituaries 2013

These are only obituaries that appeared in the Hastings Tribune during 2013 and they are in the order in which they appeared in the paper.

• Burton Sole, a 1958 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2013, after a long and courageous battle with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. In February 1959, Burton joined the U.S. Navy serving with CIPAC, and the Seventh Fleet until February 1963. Upon returning to Hastings, he joined his brother Bill in the operation of the Bee Printing Co. On April 26, 1969, he married Sharon Kay (Shari) Sittner Sole at the South St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church. Burton joined the work force at Hastings Utilities at the North Denver Station in 1970 and retired from Gerald Whelan Energy Center in 2000. Burton loved to garden raising vegetables for everyone and grow flowers especially roses. His 1978 BMW motorcycle was a dream come true and rode it until just this last year when it was time for a calmer scooter. He and Shari hit every state but two, either on the bike or with the truck and fifth wheel. Never without a dog beside, especially Molly, he loved his early morning coffee with the guys, browsing the stores and accumulating his many bargains as he called them. He was a member of First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, UCT, USS Hector Association, Hastings Military Detail group and the Navy Lithographers Association.

• Ruth Barfknecht Boydston, a 1944 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Friday, December 6th. She graduated from Hastings College in 1948 and Wesleyan University and Brian Hospital in Lincoln in 1950 with a degree in medical laboratory technology. Ruth worked in hospitals and clinics in Hastings and in the Seattle, WA area.

• Ronald Pfeil, a 1967 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2013, after a long illness. Ron graduated from Harvard College. He was a development officer for Harvard University, then for the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He later became a development officer for the Fox Chase Cancer Center, then the Philadelphia Orchestra, and completed his fundraising career as a consultant for Van Ness and Associates, all in Philadelphia. Ronald was for many years a judge of the elections, an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia and an avid gardener.

• Marilyn Stromer Borden, a 1951 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2013. She was a bookkeeper for Juniata Co-op; retiring in 1990 after working 22 years.

• Colleen Drohman Thaut, a 1957 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Friday, November 8, 2013. Colleen was a homemaker and a member of the New York Avenue Congregational Church and the Xi Alpha Pi Sorority. Her favorite hobby was dancing.

• Barbara L. Dunn Russell Rogers, a 1944 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2013. In 1950, Barbara graduated from UNL Teachers College and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She married Richard P. Russell and had four children. For many years she was a member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church where she taught preschool. She was also a Kindergarten teacher who touched hundred of young lives in Lincoln and York, Nebraska Public Schools. In 1972, Barbara married John R. Rogers of York where they lived until retiring to Estes Park, Colorado. They enjoyed sharing their home and their love of the Rocky Mountains with family and friends. Barbara owned and operated The Barouche Shop, a ladies apparel store in Estes; spent special time with grandchildren, including trips abroad; with hands and heart she created beautiful needle works and actively collected teddy bears.

• Donelle Edmondson Williamson, a 1968 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2013. She graduated with an applied science degree from Central Community College in Hastings. In 1980 she married Richard Williamson and they had two children. She worked for 35 years at the Hastings Regional Center admissions office and another five years at the Little Blue Natural Resources District office in Hastings.

• Dayna Hawes Hagemeier, a 1962 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Thursday, September 19, 2013. She is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dayna married Larry Hagemeier on May 25, 1963 in Dewitt; they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in May 2013. She and Larry own and operate L-H Manufacturing Company. Most important in her life was her children and grandchildren. She loved family gatherings and spending time together. Dayna had a generous heart and loved giving rather than receiving. She found joy in spending time with her many friends. She and Larry enjoyed many hours together with their horses and their love of horse racing. Dayna was selfless, always putting others before herself. She was nurturing, gracious and kindhearted. Dayna loved to laugh and loved all things beautiful. She was a member of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

• Scott A. Reineke, a 1996 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Monday, September 16, 2013. Scott attended Hastings College where he earned his bachelor's degree. He furthered his education by attending Creighton University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a nursing degree in August of 2010. Scott then attended the UNMC, where he received a Masters degree with honors in December of 2012. Most recently, Scott was employed as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Dr. Burke and Associates. On November 11, 2005, Scott was united in marriage to Amber Wine at New Life Assembly in Kearney, NE. Scott enjoyed golfing, fishing, rock climbing and hiking. He never passed up an opportunity to stop and play with his sons, Izac and Elijah. Scott loved his profession and enjoyed helping people.

• Charlotte Brown Munstermann, a 1948 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2013. Out of high school she worked as a seamstress at Mode O'Day in Hastings and owned a ceramic shop for years making town anniversary and church plates. She loved working on the farm with her family. Charlotte was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, the Glenvil American Legion Auxiliary, and held various offices in the Hastings China Belles and Double Dozen Extension Club. She enjoyed China painting, ceramics, bowling, sewing, and spending time with her grandchildren.

• Michael D. Coe, a 1970 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Thursday, August 29, 2013. Mike graduated from the Nebraska Police Academy in 1973. He worked as a deputy sheriff in Adams County from 1973-1978. Mike was employed as a truck driver most of his life and was presently employed at Forney Trucking. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed building things, was an avid collector of several interests, and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

• Mary Cottingham, a 1944 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away August 27, 2013. She taught English for two years in Nelson, NE and then moved to New York City and became the assistant to the Vice President of Amos Parrish and Company, Merchandising Consultants. She remained in NYC until December of 1959, when she returned to Hastings to assume responsibilities as the new secretary for Cottingham Lumber Companies. Mary then moved to Omaha where she took graduate courses at UNO and taught English at Central High School and she retired from there in 1988 after teaching for 25 years. Until the year 2002, Mary spent long hours refinishing old furniture in her home at Happy Hollow. She then moved to Skyline Retirement Community.

• Christopher A. Walter, a 1991 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Saturday, August 24th, 2013. After high school, Chris attended college for a time, later returning to communities of his childhood, Pierce and Norfolk, most recently in rural Meadow Grove. During his lifetime, Chris was blessed with four children of his own, Tiffany, Haley, Gage, and Cheyenne Ziemer. Later on, Andrew and Cassandria Echols became a part of Chris’ life, and he loved them all. His children were his entire world, and they were the most important thing in his life. Chris had several careers, including working for Aleman Auto and Repair and Prince of the Road. Later, he operated Critters Pet Store, before going to work for Braun Research and Wrenchheads, where he was employed at the time of his death. In his spare time, Chris enjoyed working on cars and computers, camping, gaming, and traveling. He had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor, and his quick wit and joking, jovial nature will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

• Jacob Hinrichs, a 2006 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2013. After high school he moved to Lincoln to attend the University Nebraska Lincoln where he was enrolled in the criminal justice program. Jacob worked at Tenneco in Seward, Nebraska. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. Jacob liked to make people laugh, being outdoors, hunting and fishing, going to the family hunting lodge near Red Cloud, enjoyed computers, video games and watching movies. He loved being around family and friends and was an avid Husker fan. Jacob loved animals, especially his dog, Buddy.

• Sandra Buckley Cox, a 1955 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2013. Over the years, Sandra worked as a teacher's aide, in nursing homes and was a parish worker while in Florida. She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church. She enjoyed sewing and attending her children and grandchildren's activities.

• Steven M. Borden, a 1977 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Friday, August 16, 2013. He was a prior member of the Grace United Methodist Church where he was confirmed. He was employed by the VanKirk Brothers for 25 years until his health forced him to retire.

• James F. 'Ace' Kluver, a 1970 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Saturday, August 10, 2013. Ace served in the U.S. Army from February 3, 1971 until November 1, 1972, and was stationed in Germany. Ace was a lifetime resident of Adams County. He was a member of the Berean Bible Church and self-employed as a flooring installation specialist.

• Howard S. Kohtz, a 1978 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Friday, August 9, 2013. Howard was an avid Husker football fan and enjoyed talking football with his brother and friends. He was a fan of NASCAR racing and enjoyed collecting Nascar memorabilia. He loved to collect miniature Hot Wheel cars. He knew a lot about the making of model cars. He was a member of the Melonroasters Car Club before his illness and enjoyed helping with the Melonroast car show. Howard’s love was for his family and he was a loyal friend. Howard never knew a stranger. He lived his entire life in Hastings, NE, but enjoyed traveling to South Dakota to visit grandchildren.

• Karen Vorderstrasse Eckert, a 1959 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2013. Karen served in the U.S. Navy from 1960-1962. She worked for the U.S. Postal Service and was a member of First St. Paul's Lutheran Church and NARFE. She enjoyed going to the lake, riding motorcycles, sewing, needlecrafts, and geocaching.

• Jean J. Theobald Divan Sall, a 1938 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Friday, August 2, 2013. Jean graduated from Hastings College in 1942 and married Elmer Divan on September 24, 1942. They lived in Omaha before moving to Kearney in 1952. He preceded her in death and she married Clifford Sall in 1977. He preceded her in death in May of 2013. She was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, PEO, and was an Admiral in the Nebraska Navy. She was also a master gardener and enjoyed sewing, and activities with her family.

• Marge Galley Smith, a 1940 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2013. Marge attended Hastings College and was selected to go to the University of Minnesota to study Aeronautical engineering, she returned to graduate from Hastings College in 1946 with a Degree in Physics. Marge married Hal C. Smith Sr. on March 7, 1944, in Hastings. She raised her family in Hastings and began teaching business, math, physiology, and anatomy at Central Technical College in 1966. Marge was involved with the League of Women Voters and served as the Chairwoman for the Adams County Republican Party. She enjoyed traveling, playing bridge and was an avid golfer. Marge was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Hastings, a founding member of Lochland Country Club and a member of the YWCA in Hastings, where she was a past president.

• Thomas Mohlman, a 1968 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Monday, July 29, 2013. He attended Kearney State College for two years and graduated from Central Community College in 1972. He owned and operated T & M Appliances and T & M Self Storage. Thomas was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church.

• Larry D. 'Zeke' Zeckser, a 1962 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Monday, July 22, 2013. Larry enjoyed traveling and was a member of the Midwest Historical Detector's Club and became an avid treasure hunter, going to many hunts around the area and country. This included a trip to Australia with a group of guys in 1986.

• David W. Schmidt, a 1952 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2013. He served in the U.S. Air force from September of 1953 to September of 1957. David was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air force Reserves in 1961. He graduated from Hastings College in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. He worked for Hastings Typewriter Company and Allen's Sporting Goods in sales. David was a very active member of the First United Methodist Church, Stephens Ministry a Friend of Bill's and had been a member of Sertoma.

• Lillian Rainforth-Herman, a 1930 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2013. She obtained her teaching certificate from Hastings College and taught in rural Hall County. Lillian was a member of the North Shore Assembly of God Church in Hastings and enjoyed gardening as well as being an accomplished artist.

• John L. Swanson, a 1954 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Monday, July 8, 2013 of a ruptured aorta. He attended Hastings College and graduated from the University of Nebraska and University of Nebraska College of Medicine in Omaha. He interned at University Hospital in Omaha and completed pathology residency at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston, MA. Drafted into the Army in 1966, John served at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. After military service, John worked at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York, and as Professor of Pathology and Microbiology at the University of Utah College of Medicine. Starting in 1979, he served as Lab Chief at the N.I.H. Rocky Mountain Labs, in Hamilton, MT, before retiring from that position. John recently moved from Hamilton, where he had lived for 34 years, to Missoula.

• John Jacupke, a 1973 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Thursday, June 27, 2013. John lived in Florida for much of his adult life and served as a Registered Investment Adviser and Financial Planner in North Palm Beach. John found time for many interests: visiting his beloved Nebraska family, gardening, cooking, entertaining, drawing, listening to music, viewing and participating in sports and involvement in several boards and philanthropic causes. He remained an avid Nebraska football fan. John kept in touch with and valued and enjoyed his many friends, both past and present.

• William H. 'Bill' Myers, a 1957 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Monday, July 1, 2013. After high school he attended the University of Nebraska and graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He married Caroline Wisker in 1958 and they had two sons and later divorced. Later he married Carolyn Stuart and lived the remainder of his life in Lake Jackson, TX, retiring from Dow Chemical.

• Marlys Theesen Hatfield, a 1956 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2013. She was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and was a Master Gardener. She was a past member of the Hastings China Belles and Hastings Quilt Guild.

• Lee R Garey, a 1972 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2013. Lee graduated from Kearney State College (now the University of NE at Kearney) with a degree in communications. Lee worked for many years as an announcer at numerous radio stations in Nebraska and Kansas, and in sales at WKBV/WFMG Radio in Richmond, IN. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Eaton, OH, where he was a pianist and assistant music director. He also enjoyed composing music and drawing.

• Ronald J. Schmidt, a 1976 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2013 after a long battle with all of the complications of diabetes. Ron graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and continued to be a Huskers fan throughout his lifetime. Ron moved to Ramona, California, where he married his wife, Cindy. He worked as an automotive salesman for several dealerships in the Poway and Escondido area. Ron loved all sports and was an avid golfer. He also loved to play blackjack. He used to think that his home in the San Diego Country Estates was the perfect place to live because it was a half-mile from the golf course and eight miles from the Barona Casino. Ron especially loved his only grandson, Austin, and couldn’t wait to spend time playing with him and taking him for rides in his golf cart. Everyone who knew him will miss his sense of humor and generosity.

• William A. Thomas, a 1956 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2013. He joined the Navy at age 17 and was honorably discharged in 1959. He served as an "Airdale", with his main job being a crew chief on the P2V-7. Regarding the Navy, he always said, it was "the best thing that ever happened to me." Upon his discharge he met Beth Sebek, his future wife, while she was attending Mary Lanning Memorial School of Nursing. They were married in 1960 and made their home in Hastings until 1967. Bill began his lifetime work with Hastings Welding Supply. To this union two daughters were born, Jill and Lisa. In 1967, Bill was asked to move to Lincoln to be a “counter man” for Lincoln Welding Supply, which in later years became Linweld. Bill was always proud of his nearly 38 years of services with the company and many co-workers became his “best friends”. Bill retired in 1997. He was a devoted friend to many and loved a good time. He is remembered fondly by many who recall his many “quotes” from his Navy days.

• George D. White, a 1976 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Sunday, June 2, 2013. After high school he enlisted in the army as a paramedic. He grew up working at K & K Market, a local produce market started by his grandfather. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and cooking. He enjoyed spending time painting, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his grandson, Gabreal Bernard White. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and his loving nature.

• David Rosenberg, a 1941 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Saturday, June 1, 2013. He attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln for three years before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Force and graduating from the college there with a degree in Business Administration. Dave served in the US Army Air Force for three years during WWII. He received the Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal (European campaign). Dave participated in both the Battle of the Bulge and the D-day invasion receiving military ribbons for both. He received an honorable discharge in September 1945. Dave began working at City Hide and Metal Company, a family owned scrap metal business in 1948, which became City Iron and Metal in 1985. He continued to work full time until his semi-retirement in 2002. Prior to joining the family business, Dave worked as a radio announcer for several local radio stations including: KHAS, KFOR and KFAB from 1940 to 1943. Dave was also the track announcer for the Queen City Downs racetrack in Hastings from 1981 to 1991. Dave was a life-long friend and resident of Hastings and Adams County. He spent many years serving on various boards and organizations. He was a member of: Hastings Jaycees-past president; Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce-past president; Chairman of the Roads, Air and Transportation Committee; Hastings/Adams County Planning and Zoning Commission-Past chairman; Hastings Noon Lions club-past president; Travelers Protective Association-past president; Central Nebraska Lodge #1815 of B’nai B’rith; Mount Sinai Cemetery Association-past president; Boy Scouts of America-past cub Master and Scout Master of Troop 207; Overland Trails Council Board of Directors; American Legion Post #11; Elks Lodge, University of Nebraska Alumni Association, Adams County Historical Society, Hastings Museum, Midwest Lodge #317 A.F. & A.M., Hastings Scottish Rite, Tehama Shrine Temple, Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity- UNL and City of Hastings Councilman from 1994 to 2002. Dave was responsible for: obtaining the steam locomotive from the Union Pacific Railroad, now located at the Hastings Museum; obtaining new street signs for every intersection in Hastings during his Jaycee presidency; lobbied for the successful completion of the Tom Osborne Expressway connecting Hastings to Grand Island; getting "Hastings" signs on Interstate 80. Dave received: the Good Government Award for outstanding service as Chairman of the Planning Commission; the State of Nebraska Outstanding Citizens Contribution Award for planning; the American Association of Planners Citation for serving on a planning commission longer than any other person in the United States; the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America and the Hastings "Community Service Award."

• Suzanne Moritz Van Meter, a 1951 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Friday, May 31, 2013. Suzy majored in History and English and completed her Bachelor’s degree in 1954. In 1953, she and Robert S. Van Meter were married in Hastings and their marriage lasted until Rob’s death in 1981. Following career moves to Bloomington, IN, and then Mt. Pleasant, MI, Suzy went on to earn a PhD in history from Indiana University and taught history for many years at Clarion University of Pennsylvania as well as serving as Chair of the History Department there. She retired in 1993, following an illustrious teaching career of thirty years. Suzy offered the first courses in African American history taught at Clarion University. Perhaps most notable among the classes she designed was an innovative course on Black History in Film. She found great joy in teaching, brought many speakers to campus on behalf of her students, and organized symposia, concerts, and poetry readings for her campus. Frequently, and without much fanfare, Suzy reached out to students in need, helping them with tuition and book purchases so that they could finish their degrees. She was a founding member of Clarion’s local chapter of the National Organization for Women, and a union activist and leader among her colleagues. Suzy loved to garden, was an active food preserver, and served in leadership roles in both the P.T.A. and local Girl Scouts. She loved great music, the theater, and was seldom without a good book or two. She was the consummate hostess and loved preparing and serving dinner for her colleagues and friends. She loved to travel and to hike, fish, and camp with her husband and children, and later to travel Europe, settling finally on England as the site of her second home.

• Eileen Waterman Robinson, a 1943 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away May 25, 2013. After raising seven children, Eileen worked at Fleming Manufacturing Co. and Chief Ethanol, both in Hastings. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, the YWCA and several bridge groups. She was a breast cancer survivor of almost 50 years. Eileen had a very special relationship with all of her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with all three generations of them.

• William 'Bill' Upton, a 1944 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2013. He married Iva Mae Thompson in 1947 and she preceded him in death. In 1985, he married Betty Drennan Squires.

• Marvin D. Kerr, a 1952 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2013. He worked his entire life with his brother at their father's plastic company, Kerrco Plastics Inc. He was a lifetime member of First St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where he was on the church board, an usher, Sunday school teacher and reader. He was past president of the Hastings Jaycees and was instrumental in starting the Midget Football program in Hastings. He also served on the Hastings Corporation Board and was a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 200.

• Sharon Wynn Nixon, a 1961 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2013. After high school she attended Hastings Beauty Academy, graduating in 1963. Sharon married Robert L. Nixon on June 7, 1964, at First Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hastings. The couple made their home in Hastings where they lived and started their family and in 1978 they moved to North Platte. Sharon worked for Maronello Beauty Shop and the Good Samaritan Beauty Shop in Hastings before moving to North Platte where she worked at the Pawnee Beauty Shop, A Street Hair Company and The Hairdressers until her retirement in 1995. She was a member of First Lutheran Church, a past member of the Eagles Auxiliary in North Platte. Her hobbies included bowling, knitting, crossword puzzles and a strong love for animals.

• Rosemarie Frisch North, a 1939 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2013. After high school she attended Business College and married Tom North. They made their home in Hastings and then following her retirement, they moved to Republican City, NE where her husband was the Postmaster. They returned to Hastings after he retired. In 2011 Rosemarie moved to Norfolk after her husband died. She was a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Hastings.

• James Reeve, a 1957 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on April 4, 2013. During High School, Jim worked at the Hastings Museum. He was also active in Boy Scouts from Cub through Explorers. He obtained the rank of Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society, and was a volunteer at the 1957 Boy Scout Jamboree with his Dad. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served as a 2nd Class Petty Officer, Intercommunications Electrician aboard the USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) from 1958 to 1961. Jim was honorably discharged and received a Good Conduct Medal. While in the service, he reunited with his high school sweetheart, Alice Roth. They were married on June 4, 1960, in Hastings but lived in Long Beach, CA, until they moved back in 1962 where Jim worked at Hastings Irrigation. In 1969, they moved to San Diego, CA, to raise their three children. While his sons were young, Jim was an enthusiastic member of the YMCA’s Indian Guides program, a father-son organization. Jim worked in the field of Marketing Communications until he retired. In retirement, he enjoyed photography, wood art, woodcarving and especially woodturning. He was a member of the San Diego Woodturners Association.

• Ann Lamphier Hinrichs, a 1960 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. She received her degree in Pharmacy from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, where she was one of two female members in the class of 1965. Ann was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island. She enjoyed music and was a life-long piano player. She loved her work and never knew a stranger. She had a zest for life and all will miss her presence. Her gentle words of wisdom with a healthy dose of laughter inspired her daughter every day and she will tie a yellow ribbon around the proverbial Old Oak Tree waiting to welcome her beloved husband.

• James 'Jim' Jugert, a 1965 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Friday, April 5, 2013, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Jim received his Associate Degree from technical college in Omaha. He was employed at Nebraska Public Power District in Ogallala, North Platte, and Hastings; Tri States Generation and Transmission in Colorado; and Western Area Power Administration (US Department of Energy) in North Dakota and also in South Dakota. He enjoyed the great outdoors, hunting, fishing, boating, camping, gardening, and traveling. Some of Jim's most cherished memories were family gatherings.

• Angela Jacoby, a 1992 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2013. Angie, born in Hastings on November 13, 1970, was the daughter of Steve and Pat (Walker) Jacoby. She was born with Spina Bifida and had numerous health issues early and throughout her life, but her disabilities never defined her. At the age of four, she was named the poster child for the March of Dimes. She attended Hastings Public Schools and she graduated from Hastings High School in 1992. As a young person, she participated in Special Olympics and received numerous awards in swimming, wheelchair racing, bowling and other sporting events. Following graduation, she moved to Quality Living, Inc. in Omaha, which afforded her a wonderful life and numerous opportunities to socialize and become involved in activities such as wheelchair ballet, attending numerous concerts and operas, attending Nebraska football games, attending Easter Seals Summer Camp, and graduating from a college sponsored clown class. She loved to dress as a clown and entertain children. Her church family at St. Leo Catholic Church was especially important to her. She served as a teacher’s assistant and secretary’s assistant at St. Leo, and she volunteered for the church’s summer vacation Bible school. Her enthusiasm for volunteering led to her involvement with the Immanuel Day Care program and Good Samaritan Village where she helped with bingo and shared her time with residents. Angie’s greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her two nieces, Abigail and Madeline. She loved to travel and she traveled with her family to Disneyland, Disney World, Canada, cruised the Caribbean and Mexico, visited Las Vegas and took numerous trips to New England to visit her brother’s family. She also loved to stay in contact with her family and friends by using the latest technology, and it was very common to receive a phone call, text, email, Facebook message or Skype request from her during the day. Her love for her family and friends was evident by the way in which she lived her life, and she was a true blessing to those who knew and loved her.

• Agnes Gasch Anderson, a 1926 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2013. Agnes taught for 31 years, the last 20 years she taught English but mostly Latin at Hastings Middle School and High School. She was an active 91 year member of the First United Methodist Church and the church circle groups; PEO Chapter FH; member and Past Matron of the Acacia Chapter #39 of Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, DAR, Delta Kappa Gamma teachers sorority; and she volunteered at the Hastings Museum for over 25 years. She will be remembered for her love of students and her quest for knowledge, but most of all her kindness and zest for living. She remained enthusiastic and young at heart her entire life. Agnes’ love for her family was immeasurable. She was happiest when she was living life with her family and she especially cherished the time spent with her grandchildren.

• Eugene Hicks, a 1946 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2013. He worked at the Hastings Tribune before moving to California where he worked at the Los Angeles Times for 40 years.

• Florence 'Flossie' Spencer Saathoff, a 1940 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Monday, March 11, 2013. She was a homemaker and owned and operated Saathoff Home Furnishings with her husband. She was a member of First St. Paul's Lutheran Church, was a Girl Scout and 4-H Leader, an officer with the Women's Bowling Association, Altrusia, YWCA Board Member, and started Hastings Parkinson's Support Organization where she received an honorary plaque for her years of service. She was involved in several card groups and was active in several church activities. Flossie enjoyed fishing, flower gardening, and being around and having conversations with people.

• Robert 'Bob' Thaut, a 1946 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2013. Bob served in the Army from 1950-1952. Bob was in the auto body repair business for over fifty years. He owned and operated Thaut’s Body Shop from 1961-2007. Bob liked the outdoors, fishing, hunting and especially camping in the Black Hills. He also enjoyed traveling to visit family. Bob was a member of New York Avenue Congregational Church.

• Heather Desbien Sizemore, a 1989 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Wednesday, February 6, 2013. She worked at Aramark Catering in the dietary department. She loved to bake, paint ceramics, and be around the family dog.

• Dorothy HicksSultzer, 95, passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2013. She worked as a phone operator for the Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph. She enjoyed spoiling her many grandchildren, playing cards and drinking coffee.

• Michael Harris, 53, passed away on Thursday, February 14, 2013. After graduating from Hastings High School with athletic honors he attended Doane College. Michael had a truly unique and fun-loving soul that shined upon everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He cherished the time he spent with his family and friends. He also enjoyed restoring houses, cars, and boats. He was loved and talented and smart and funny and will be so deeply missed.

• Merwyn Valentine, a 1942 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Thursday, February 14, 2013. He attended Business College in Hastings and then began work at Foote Oil where he stayed for numerous years. He then started his career at the Hastings Utilities as a Meter Reader, Lineman, Line Foreman, and finally as the Electrical Superintendent until his retirement. Merwyn was a member of First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Past Master of Hastings Masonic Lodge #50 A.F. & A.M., York Rite Hastings Chapter #21, Hastings Council #8, Mt. Nebo Commandery #11, Knight York Cross of Honor, Scottish Rite, Tehama Shrine, past Potentate (1985), 50 year member of the Masons, and lifetime member of the Eagles.

• Charlene Bowers Benner, a 1952 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2013. After graduation, she married and made her home in Omaha, Nebraska, and later in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she was a stay-at-home Mom. In the 1970's, Char discovered a passion for the real estate profession, beginning as a real estate closer, and later moving into sales. She took personal pride in each sale, as it was about “finding a home for a family”, not selling a house. Upon her retirement in 2002, Char chose to return to her hometown. She filled her days bringing joy to her friends and neighbors at Goldbeck Towers by planning social activities, fundraising, planning group holiday dinners, and teaching her favorite card game, bridge.

• Marjorie Stonecypher Schwenk, a 1954 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2013. Marjorie was a lifelong resident of Hastings. She was a member of the Lakeside Community Church of the Nazarene where she served as Sunday School Secretary for over 30 years, Church Treasurer for over 20 years, and as the Missions Study Chairwoman since 1972. Marjorie was employed by Foote Equipment Company (Big G Ace Hardware) in Hastings for 55 years until 2009.

• Reta Bienhoff Norton, a 1979 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Wednesday, February 6, 2013. She attended the University of South Carolina and University of Nebraska Kearney. Reta married Bradley Gene Norton on March 7, 1981, at All Saints Chapel at Good Samaritan Village in Hastings, Nebraska. She served in the United States Air Force from November 28, 1977, until November 30, 1997. Reta was an Air Force medic and retired as a Technical Sergeant. She received the Humanitarian Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Air Force Commendation Medal. Reta was currently serving as the Loyal Knight of the Hastings B.P.O. Elks Lodge #159. She was the Hastings Lodge Chair of the Veterans Programs and the State Chair of the Elks Army of Hope. She was the Elks State Lodge Officer of the Year in 2011-2012 and Elks State Veterans Service Commission Volunteer of the Year in 2011-2012. Reta was a member of Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 1999, they moved from Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina to Hastings.

• Mabel Smith Shafer, a 1932 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Thursday, February 7, 2013. She worked at PBX and was a receptionist at the Hastings Regional Center. She was a clerk at the Hastings Post Office during WWII. She worked at Brock Thompson Department Store and she was a clerk in the admissions office at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital. She also worked at the Foote and Anderson Medical Office for Herb Anderson, Business Supply Company, Office of the Superintendent for Hastings Public Schools, and the Little Blue NRD Hastings office. She had also worked in California from 1967 to 1968 at Craft Tile Co and DCAS office. She sold Avon and volunteered at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital in the “Pink Ladies” Auxiliary.

• Mary Lamborn Stutzman, a 1971 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Wednesday, February 6, 2013. Mary was a homemaker and a member of V.F.W. Auxiliary, Eagles, and Elks Club. She enjoyed golfing, traveling, Nebraska football, Pittsburg Steelers football, and her dog Duke.

• Melody S. Buck, a 1967 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away Sunday, January 27, 2013. After graduation, she attended Hastings College and was interested in teaching Pre-School and taught Sunday school at her church. Melody served as a delegate for the Nebraska Democratic Party. She was a member of the United Lutheran Church, Nebraskan's for Peace, and worked with many different environmental groups.

• Terri (Sinner) Ingram, a 1973 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Friday, January 25, 2013 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Terri was a homemaker, in home childcare provider, and owned and operated Celebrate Balloonery. She was a member of First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

• Richard Barth, a 1937 graduate of Hastings High School, passed away on Friday, January 11, 2013. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1941-1945 in the European Theatre. He was a letter carrier at the Hastings Post Office for 30 years. He was a member of First St. Paul's Lutheran Church, the American Legion, the National Association of Letter Carriers and a lifetime member of the VFW.

• Vernon Kehn, a 1953 graduate of Hastings High School passed away on Monday, January 7, 2012. He was a member of the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE), Elks Club and Eagles in Hastings. He also was a past member of Southern Hills Golf Course and Chorus of the Plains. He loved golfing, bowling, and playing board games with the children. He loved to read, do crosswords, work in the yard and was proud of his yard and especially his roses. He loved being with the family and the grandkids. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.