John Volkmer

Hastings resident John E. Volkmer, 86, passed away Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at his home.

Memorial Service is 10 a.m. Monday, February 26, at Butler Volland Chapel in Hastings with Father Joseph M. Walsh officiating. There will also be a celebration of life from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, February 25 at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in Hastings. Burial with military rites by Hastings Veterans Organizations will be in Parkview Cemetery in Hastings. Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. Book signing is 9-5 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

John was born to Ernst and Emma (Reinch) Volkmer of Martland, NE on June 3, 1931. He attended college at York, NE. He served his country in the Army during the Korean War from August 14, 1952 until August 17, 1954. John moved to Hastings where he met and married Jackie Lewis. To this union three children were born; Cheri, Jeff, and James. They were later divorced. John would then enter into a 36-year relationship with Linda (Kort) Crum.

John had a wide variety of business interests including real estate, Volkmer salvage, car dealership, trucking, and cattle. This provided him the opportunity to travel and make friends across the country. When he entered a room he immediately began socializing and making friends. John had an admiration for humility, a generous heart, a quick and lasting smile, a sharp intellect, a wonderful sense of humor, and a devout loyalty to friends and family.

John was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Ervin, Kenneth and Roger; sister, Delores; daughter, Cheri; and granddaughters, Camille and Greer.

John is survived by his partner, Linda (Kort) Crum; her son, Jim Crum; his two sons, Jeff (Chris) of Springfield, MO and James (Raina) of Lincoln, NE; two brothers, George of Geneva, NE and Merlin (Evelyn) of Geneva, NE; and one sister, Eunice (Bill) of Las Vegas, NV; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.