John Degener

Hastings resident, John J. Degener, 63, of 1300 Webster, died Friday, April 21, 2006 at BryanLGH Medical Center East, Lincoln, Nebraska

Rosary will be Monday, April 24, 2006; 7:00 P.M. at Butler-Volland Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, April 25, 2006; 10:30 A.M. at St. Michael's Catholic Church with Father Michael Houlihan officiating. Burial with military rites will be in Parkview Cemetery, all in Hastings, Nebraska.

Mr. Degener was born December 4, 1942 in Cowles, Nebraska to John F.E. & Corrine K. (Killough) Degener. He grew up in the Cowles area and graduated from Blue Hill High School in 1961. He worked for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and later at Metz Baking Company. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from May 27, 1964 until May 16, 1966, serving in France. After his discharge, he returned to Hastings and again worked for Metz Baking Company. On December 30, 1964, he married Marie A. Witte at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Hastings, Nebraska. He earned an Associate degree from Central Community College in 1979. He also owned and operated Paul Bunyan Tree Service. After his retirement, he worked for Dutton Lainson and currently with Kerr Chevrolet. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Men's Club and American Legion Post # 11. He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved his grandchildren, gardening, old cars and animals. He was an avid reader and wood worker.

Mr. Degener was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include,
Wife: Marie Degener - Hastings, NE
Daughter & Son-in-law: Connie & Mark Thomas - Hastings, NE
Son & Daughter-in-law: Michael & Kayleen Degener - Omaha, NE
5 Grandchildren: Seth Thomas
Hannah Thomas
Ryan Degener
Tyler Degener
Erik Degener
Sister: Julene Degener - Blue Hill, NE
Brother & Sister-in-law: Robert & Edie Degener - CA

Memorial may be given to American Arthritis Foundation

VISITATION: Sat. 4-22-06; 5pm-9pm
Sun. 4-23-06; 1pm-9pm
Mon. 4-24-06; 9am-9pm
Tue. 4-25-06; 1 hr. prior to service at St. Michael's Catholic Church