Jack Crowley

Jack Crowley, 86, peacefully passed away Friday, November 15, 2024, in Hastings.

Jack was born in Kearney on October 21, 1938, to Edward and Marie (Dougherty) Crowley. He graduated from Kearney High School, obtained his bachelor’s degree from Kearney State College, and an MBA from Ohio State University. Jack married Judith Hellman on June 6, 1960. Jack taught school and coached, before taking a management position with Sears in 1963. He then owned and operated Crowley’s Women’s Ready to Wear clothing stores across Nebraska. He concluded his “official” working years as the Executive Director of the Central Community College Foundation but continued to work and volunteer for many more years. He was co-owner of the Hastings Comfort Inn for 22 years.

Jack was a friend to everyone and never met a stranger. It was a running joke that the rest of the family had finished their appetizers and salads before he even made it to the table when dining out. His superpower was his ability to bring people together to accomplish big things. He did so humbly and graciously and was the guy who could always light up a room. He loved his family fiercely, loved his Cornhusker football team, fishing in Florida, and sitting on the patio listening to the ocean and reading. Time on the patio in Hastings was another place of solace for Jack.

Jack was a fundraiser extraordinaire and championed causes big and small. He headed up the building of a new YMCA in Hastings as well as several building campaigns for the Hastings Catholic Schools. Community was of great importance to Jack and he felt it was his responsibility to assist many organizations and charities across the state. He gave of his time and skills freely and frequently. He served on many boards and commissions, a sampling of which included: the Hastings Chamber of Commerce, Wells Fargo Regional Board, Catholic Social Services-Lincoln Diocese, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, Nebraska Power Review Board, Nebraska Liquor Commission, Hastings Rotary, Hastings United Way (past-President) Nebraska Easter Seal Society (past-President), Lochland Country Club (past-President), Husker Athletic Fund Board and Hall of Fame committee, UNL Beef Club board, Central Community College Board of Governors, and many others. He was very involved in the Nebraska Open Golf Tournament and was an honorary member of the Nebraska PGA. The annual trophy now bears his name in recognition of his contributions. He was honored by the Nebraska Arthritis Foundation as the Nebraska Humanitarian of the Year.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Marie Crowley, in-laws Sidney and Irene Hellman, siblings Patricia Brewer, Margaret (Peg) Zimmerer, William (Billy) Crowley, James Crowley, Elizabeth Marie Crowley, Edward Crowley, Jr., sister-in-law Susan Hellman, sister and brother-in -law Harlean and James Thissen, and son in law Patrick Egan.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years Judy Crowley, his daughters Betsy Egan, Julie (Richard) Kokrda, Cyndie (Mike) Wiesen, and son Michael (Wendee) Crowley. Grandchildren: RJ (Katie) Kokrda, Anna (Calvin) Pupkes, Nate Wiesen, Alex (Braxton) Adams, Bailee Egan, Samantha Egan, Sydney (Cameron) Asche, Seth (Chance) Strough, Callee Egan, Maizie Egan, Cate Crowley and Claire Crowley, 9.5 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Services include an open house with family present at Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home on Sunday, November 24 from 3:00-5:00. Funeral mass at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Monday, November 25 at 11:00. (Rosary at 10:30) In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the Hastings Catholic Schools Foundation or Catholic Social Services. The service will be live-streamed on the funeral home’s website. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lbvfh.com. Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home & Cremation Center is serving the family.