Robert Karnatz

Hastings resident, Robert Eugene Karnatz, 92, peacefully left this life at St. Francis Hospital, Grand Island, Nebraska on September 7, 2012 after a fall in his home.

A Memorial Service will be Friday, September 28, 2012; 10:30 A.M. at Peace Lutheran Church, Hastings with Rev. Marcus J. Mackay officiating. Burial with military rites by Hastings Veterans Organizations will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings. Memorials may be given to Peace Lutheran Church, Hastings, Nebraska. There will be a memory sharing time with slide show at 1:00 P.M. in the church basement. There will be no visitation.

Bob was born on a farm outside of Edgar, Nebraska to Louis and Mary (Lindgren) Karnatz on December 4, 1919. He graduated from Edgar High School in 1937. He drove a truck for Ong Transfer where he met Ruby Thurin. Ruby and Bob were married on May 27, 1940, in Hastings. They then moved to Hastings where he attended Hastings Business College graduating in 1941. He was inducted into the US Army, entered active duty in July 1943, and was assigned to the 127th Antiaircraft Artillery (AAA) Gun Battalion. He served in England at the White Cliffs of Dover, and in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany. He came home in 1946, and upon discharge from the Army, at the rank of Technician 4th Grade, he and Ruby purchased the home in Hastings where he lived until his death. He worked as a "parts man" for John Deere Implement Company (20 years at Bierman's on South Burlington and 20 years at Samuelson's in Trumbull). He was a faithful, active member of VFW Post 1346 and Peace Lutheran Church.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; and his loving wife, Ruby, who died in 2006.

Survivors include:
Sister: Lila Shill - Longview, WA
Nieces, Nephews and a host of friends