Darrell Nelson

Hastings resident, Darrell J. Nelson, 68, passed away Friday, August 16, 2013 at his home.

Services will be Thursday, August 22, 2013; 10:30 A.M. at First Presbyterian Church, Hastings with Rev. Dr. William Nottage-Tacey officiating. Private family burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Kiwanis or First Presbyterian Church. There will be no viewing or visitation.

Darrell was born October 18, 1944 in Harvard, Nebraska to Dale & Doris (Yost) Nelson. He graduated from Harvard High School. Darrell married Kathleen S. Miller on September 19, 1969 at First Presbyterian Church in Hastings. He served with the U.S. Marine Corps. Darrell worked in the sales department for Kerr Chevrolet for 24 years, Home Instead Senior Care, and Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home. Darrell and Kathleen were foster parents for many years. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as a past Elder, Trustee, Christian Education Committee, Go and Serve Committee, Choir, head Usher for 42 years, Stephens Ministries, Brotherhood St. Andrew, and taught Sunday School. Darrell was a member of Kiwanis in Hastings and served in many offices including past President, past Lieutenant Governor of Nebraska-Iowa District. He was also in charge of the Nebraska/Iowa district for the Eliminate Project, a Kiwanis global campaign for children, uniting with UNICEF to eliminate maternal/neonatal tetanus (MNT) from the earth. Darrell provided the leadership for the Noon Kiwanis Club to commit to raising $72,000 within five years. He also served on the Nebraska/Iowa District Foundation and represented the club at all Nebraska/Iowa District events and all international conventions for several years. He volunteered for the Mary Lanning Auxiliary, board of the Sterling Connection, Meals on Wheels, and many other Hastings organizations. Darrell coached in the American Legion Baseball Program and Hastings Midget Football Program. He was a member of the Hastings Chorus of the Plains and was instrumental in its Youth and Harmony yearly event at Hastings College.

Seven years ago Darrell was reunited with his biological family, sisters Alice Stephens and Twila Bultema, after being separated from them for sixty years because of adoption.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include:
Wife: Kathleen Nelson - Hastings, NE
Sons & Spouses: Steven & Angela Nelson - New Orleans, LA
Andrew & Kelly Nelson - Hastings, NE
Robert Nelson - Hastings, NE
Foster Children: Penny Czarnek - Hastings, NE
Cathy Tockey - Fairfield, NE
Grandchildren: Abigail Nelson
Lydia Nelson
Luke Nelson
Lane Nelson
Sisters & Spouses: Alice & Audrey Stephens - Richvale, CA
Twila & Ray Bultema - Richvale, CA
And a large family and circle of friends