John Friend

Hastings resident, John J. "Jack" Friend, at 89 years of age, he passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 7, 2017, at College View Assisted Living, Hastings, Nebraska.

Rosary will be Sunday, September 10, 2017; 6:00 P.M. at Butler Volland Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, September 11, 2017; 10:00 A.M. at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, Hastings with Father Joseph M. Walsh officiating. Burial with military rites by Hastings Veterans Organizations will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings. Memorials may be given to St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, St. Cecilia's Catholic Church Health Ministry, or Start Over Rover. Visitation will be Sunday, September 10, 2017; 1:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church.

Jack was born June 19, 1928, to Ike and Daisy Friend of Hastings, Nebraska. He graduated from Hastings High School. Jack spent his life as a hard worker and salesman.

As a young man, he raised rabbits, drove a taxi, cooked hamburgers at the navy canteen with his mother, delivered oxygen at Ingleside and built houses with his best friend, Bud Pauley.

He went to war for his country twice, World War II and the Korean War where he bravely fought in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. Because of the extreme loss of American men, the survivors were proudly known as the "chosin few."

On October 4, 1952, Jack married Annette E. Smith in Omaha, Nebraska. To this union came their three children: Jack, Jill, and Sherry.

Jack and Annette loved to host and entertain their family and friends. They loved to travel and saw much of the world together.

Jack along with his parents and brothers, Don and Dick, started "Friends Motor Supply" in 1943. This single store grew to seven and with their "Friends Truck Equipment" became the largest NAPA dealer between Omaha and Denver. The slogan "Wouldn't you rather do business with Friends" wasn't just words. They were practiced as the doors opened each day. Jack would often say "They aren't just our customers, they are our friends."

Jack was a lifelong resident of Hastings. He was executive Vice President of Friends Motor Supply and President of Automotive Marketing, Inc. He served as Vice President and Director of Omaha Warehouse, Inc. and was the founder and past board member of the Nebraska Automotive Wholesalers. He served on the Board of Trustees of the National Truck Equipment Association. He served on the Board of Governors of the Adams County Agricultural Society and Norwest Bank Advisory Board. He was a member of St. Cecilia's Church, Lochland Country Club, a lifetime member of VFW and American Legion, Elks Club and proud member of the 5 O'Clock Club.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Annette; parents, Ike and Daisy; brother; Don; and grandson, Richard Friend.

SURVIVORS:
Children:
Jack & Ellie Friend
Jill Skalka
Sherry & Tim Micek
Grandchildren:
Travis & Alex Friend
Shannon & Sean Skalka
Erin Johnson
Corrie Schrader
Sarah McWhirter
Scott Micek
Great-Grandchildren:
Laine
Liam
Wylan
Harper
Piper