Melvin Lantis

Hastings resident, Melvin D. Lantis, 87, died Thursday, November 27, 2008 at Harvard Rest Haven, Harvard, Nebraska.

Services will be Monday, December 1, 2008; 11:00 A.M. at Butler-Volland Chapel with Rev. Alan Davis officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska. Visitation will be Monday, December 1, 2008; 9:00 A.M. until service time. Memorials may be given to Scottish Rite-Rite Care or Shriners Children Hospital Transportation Fund.

Mr. Lantis was born November 3, 1921 in Franklin, Nebraska to Frank & Hazel (Castor) Lantis. He graduated from Franklin High School and the University of Nebraska. His college studies were interrupted by his enlistment in the United States Army during WWII. He served with the Fifth Armored Division in the European theater as an artillery specialist. During his service, he married his high school sweetheart, Julia Joy on April 23, 1944. She preceded him in death on June 25, 2006. He began his working career as a voc-ag teacher in Imperial, Nebraska. He later served as Chase County Extension agent for six years. He then worked for three years in Waco, Texas before moving to Hastings, where he worked for Farmland Industries as a territorial field man and as a securities agent until his retirement. Melvin was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Mid-West Lodge #317 A.F. & A.M., Tehama Temple and Scottish Rite. He was a volunteer for Mary Lanning Hospital Auxiliary and Meals on Wheels. Melvin enjoyed traveling with his wife and spending time with his children and grandsons. He was very outgoing and leaves behind wonderful memories for all who knew him. .

Mr. Lantis was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Julia and stillborn twin sons.

Survivors include:
Son & Daughter-in-law: Mark & Nancy Lantis - Lincoln, NE
Daughters & Son-in-law: Joy & Kevan Exstrum - Hastings, NE
Grandsons: Dan Lantis - Lincoln, NE
Pat Lantis - Lincoln, NE
James Lantis - Lincoln, NE
Jeff Exstrum - Denver, CO
Matt Exstrum - Lincoln, NE
Adam Exstrum - Omaha, NE