Charles Uerling, Jr

Hastings resident, Charles C. Uerling, Jr., 74, of 403 Lakeside Dr., died Saturday, December 18, 2004 at his home.

Rosary will be Tuesday, December 21, 2004; 7:00 P.M. at Butler-Volland Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, December 22, 2004; 10:00 A.M. at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church with Father Larry Gyhra officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska.

Mr. Uerling was born January 25, 1930 in Hastings, Nebraska to Charles E. Sr. & Helen (Spellman) Uerling. He graduated from Hastings Senior High School in 1947and from Hastings College in 1954. On August 19, 1953 he married Margretha D. Jaco and she preceded him in death on November 14, 1981. He served in the United States Air Force from January 11, 1951 to December 16, 1954. During his time in the United States Air Force , he served in England for three years and attended Cambridge University. He was the owner of Uerling's Home Furnishings Store. He was a life long Hastings resident and a member of St. Cecilia's Catholic Church and Lochland Country Club.

For more than a quarter of a century, Charles Uerling Jr. helped guide Hastings College to the level of national prominence it holds today. As a member of the Board's Instruction and Faculty Relations Committee, Mr. Uerling was instrumental in accomplishing many initiatives that have enhanced the teaching experience of the faculty. Mr. Uerling retired from the Board of Trustees in 2001 after serving 27 years. In 1983, he received the President's Award in recognition of his support of and loyalty to his alma mater. An eloquent speaker, Mr. Uerling took every opportunity to share his enthusiasm for Hastings College. A dedicated leader in the College's annual Partnership Campaign, Mr. Uerling regularly made personal contact with those in the business community. For many years, Mr. Uerling was a regular speaker at New Student Days, welcoming the freshmen and their parents to the college. Mr. Uerling was inducted into the Hastings College Pro Rege Society on April 23, 2002. The one accomplishment he was most proud of was that he, his late wife, D., and their five children all are graduates of Hastings College.

Mr. Uerling past civic accomplishments include, Past President of Hastings YMCA, Past President of Hastings Civic Symphony, Member of Board of Directors of City National Bank and Trust, Past President of Hastings Chapter of Navy League of U. S., Past President of Nebraska Retail Merchants Association, Past President Downtown Council of Hastings, Chairman Downtown Christmas Lighting Committee, Member Board of Directors - Hastings Chamber of Commerce, Member Board of Directors - Hastings College Alumni Association, Member of HEDC, Hastings Library Board, Member Hastings Noon Rotary Club, Past Board of Directors KHAS-TV, Past Board Member - St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, Lector and Pipe Organ Fund Committee and helped raise funds for St. Cecilia's Catholic Church and Hastings Catholic Schools.

Mr. Uerling was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Margretha and an infant brother John Edward Uerling.

Survivors include,
Daughter & Son-in-law: Carrie & Brett Ferguson - New Sharon, IA
Sons & Daughters-in-law: Alan & Pam Uerling - Hastings, NE
Colin & Sue Uerling - Hastings, NE
Kevin & Sheryl Uerling - Kirkwood, MO
Brian & Judy Uerling - Clovis, NM
13 Grandchildren
Sister: Sheila Duebbert - Fargo, ND
Memorial may be given to Hastings College-Uerling Scholarship Fund
St. Cecilia's Church
Hastings Catholic Schools Trust

VISITATION: Mon. 12-20-04; 5pm-9pm
Tue. 12-21-04; 9am-9pm
Wed. 12-22-04; 1 hr. prior to service at the church