Glen Larsen

Glen Larsen, 87, of Hastings, Nebraska, passed away on April 26, 2025, at CHI St Francis Hospital Grand Island, NE surrounded by his wife and children.

Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 2, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Hastings. Burial will be at Parkview Cemetery in Hastings. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, May 1 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the family for a memorial to be determined at a later date. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website. To view the service, go to Glen’s obituary and click the play button shown toward the bottom of the page. 

Glen was born on December 19, 1937, to Ern and Janie (Hahn) Larsen in Ainsworth, NE. He grew up with his older siblings, Larry and Lois. He attended elementary schools in Keya Paha County, NE and Springview, NE. He graduated from Keya Paha County High School in 1955. Immediately after graduating high school and before attending college Glen was hired to teach in a K-8 elementary school at Rocksburg, NE, which had an enrollment of 16 students with at least one student in each grade. At the time, Glen was barely 17 years old and didn’t yet have a college degree. This experience sparked his passion for being an educator. In 1956 Glen enrolled at Chadron State College in Chadron, NE to pursue his degree to be a certified teacher and athletic coach. In 1959, he was hired to teach 7-8 grade students and coach boys’ football, basketball and track at Longpine, NE. 

On December 27 of 1959, Glen became the luckiest person alive when Mary Murphy agreed to be his wife. They were married at St. Nicholas Church in Valentine, NE. Glen returned to college and graduated with a teaching degree, qualifying him to teach Health, PE, Biology and Social Studies. In 1962 he continued his employment in education at Ashland, NE and taught American Government, Biology and Physical Education and coached football, basketball and baseball. In 1968 Glen completed his Administrative Certificate and was hired as a Secondary Principal and also taught American Government and Physical Education in the Deshler Public School system. He also continued to coach boys’ football, basketball and track. At age 30, Glen became Superintendent of Schools at Deshler and continued to work on his Master’s Degree at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. From 1971-1981 Glen was employed as Superintendent of Schools in Fullerton, NE. He also continued to coach. During this time Glen received his Master’s Degree in School Administration and his Ed.S. From 1981-2001 Glen was the Superintendent of Schools in the Adams Central School District. During this time, he was also the County Superintendent of schools and coached football for five years and golf for 15 years. 

While at Adams Central he was issued a lifetime Nebraska Teaching and Administrative Certificate. In 1992, he was selected as Nebraska Superintendent of the Year. In 2001, while at Adams Central Glen retired from education after 41 years. Apparently, he wasn’t ready for retirement! From 2006-2010 he was hired as the Superintendent of Schools in the Blue Hill Public School System and then in 2011 he was the interim superintendent for Wymore Southern. Glen spent 45+ years in education, in which 38 of those years he was a school superintendent. He served on various committees and educational organizations and was president of the Nebraska Association of School Boards. Throughout his years of teaching and administration, Glen impacted an untold number of staff and students. He instilled the importance of hard work and education into the lives of many. Education was a lifelong passion. 

He also enjoyed playing cards, a round of golf, Husker sports, all animals (especially dogs) and having a good time with friends and family. Known for his quick wit and generous heart, he was a beloved member of the community. 

Glen and his wife Mary were blessed with six children. Glen coached them in numerous sports and taught them hunting, fishing, boating and countless life lessons. He was always good for a silly prank, a shoulder to cry on and great advice. 

Glen was a member of the Hasting Area Chamber of Commerce, St. Michael’s Church, Knights of Columbus, American Legion Club, Elks Club, Southern Hills and Lochland Country Club. He had also been a member of the Rotary and the Lion’s Club. Glen also served on the County Board of Commissioners until December of 2024. 

Glen is survived by his wife Mary, and children Patrick (Terri) Larsen of Fullerton, NE; Michael Larsen of Grapevine, TX; Kellie (Shawn) Seward of St. Paul, NE; Catherine (Gordon) Gundersen of Kearney, NE; Kristine Larsen of Hastings, NE; Tysha (JP) Lauterbach of Lincoln, NE, 13 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in passing by his father, Ern Larsen, his mother Janie Larsen, brother Larry Larsen, sister Lois and brother-in-law Stanley Farlin and nephew Eric, nephew Leslie Larsen, niece Elizabeth Haddican, and best friends Joe Toczek and Doug Thomspon and countless other friends.