Raymond Velder

Hastings resident, Raymond J. Velder, 89, died Saturday, April 23, 2005 at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital.

Rosary will be Tuesday, April 26, 2005; 7:30 P.M. at Butler-Volland Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, April 27,10:00 A.M. 2005 at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church with Father Larry Gyhra officiating. Burial with military rites will be in Assumption Cemetery, Roseland, Nebraska.

Mr. Velder was born October 31, 1915 on a farm south of Kenesaw, Nebraska, to Henry J. & Elizabeth K. (Schneider) Velder. He graduated from Holstein High School, Holstein, Nebraska, May 12, 1936. He served in the United States Army during WWII from August 21, 1941 to October 24, 1945. On January 25, 1948, he married Carolina A. Antonacci at St. Francis of Xavier Church in Bronx, New York and she preceded him in death on November 19, 1983. He was a heavy equipment operator for Adams County Roads Department until his retirement. He was a pitcher for area and Army baseball teams during the 1930's, 1940's & early 1950's. In his retirement years, he enjoyed fishing, gardening, playing Bingo and supporting Hastings and St. Cecilia's sports activities, especially St. Cecilia's football.

Mr. Velder was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Carolina and four brothers.

Survivors include,
Daughter & Son-in-law: Nancy R. & Michael J. Kraftzik -Hastings, NE
Son & Daughter-in-law: William J. & Ellen Velder - Hastings, NE
3 Step Grandchildren
Sister: Marie Haller - Minden, NE

Memorial may be given to Elaine Haller Cancer Fund c/o Nancy Kraftzik


VISITATION: Tues. 4-26-05; 5pm-9pm
Wed. 4-27-05; 1 hr. prior to service at the church