William Howsden

Hastings resident William Howsden, 90, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at his home.    

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 15 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, west of Glenvil with Pastor Jonathan Jehorek officiating. Burial with military rites by Hastings Military Honor Guard will be at St. Paul’s Lutheran Churchyard Cemetery, west of Glenvil. Visitation will be 1-7 p.m. Thursday, April 13, and 1-7 p.m. with family present 4-7 p.m. Friday, April 14 at the funeral home, and one hour before the service at the church. Memorials may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Churchyard Cemetery.

William was born May 10, 1932, in a sod house in Huntley, NE to Fred and Florence (Porter) Howsden. He attended schools in Huntley and Alma, NE, and received further training in electronics including radio and television. William served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. He married Fern Kemper on April 30, 1955, at First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hastings; she preceded him in death on October 25, 1992. William married Rochelle Behrendt on May 14, 1994; she preceded him in death on December 18, 2001.

William worked for Hastings Utilities from 1960 to 1994 as a foreman in the gas department; retiring in 1994. After his retirement, he mowed the church cemetery for 15 years, volunteered for Mary Lanning Healthcare, and helped with SAFE kids program. William was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Glenvil where he served on the Church Council. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, Eagles Aerie #592, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was an active Boy Scout, served on the Honor Guard, and was a member of a men’s bowling league.

William was preceded in death by his parents; spouses, Fern and Rochelle; sister and brother-in-law, Margaret & Richard Peterson; brother and sister-in-law, Fred “Jerry” & Carolyn Howsden; and brother-in-law, Clarence Kemper.  

SURVIVORS:

Children & Spouses:             
    James & Jennifer Howsden – Hastings, NE

    Carol & Mike Hamik – Juniata, NE

Grandchildren & Spouses:    
    Kayla & Jake Frerichs

    Will & Meeka Howsden

    Nicole & Paxton Gruber

    Marcus Hamik
Great-Grandchildren:            
    Anna Frerichs

Step-Children & Spouses:     
    Rick Behrendt – Ravenna, NE

    Sue & Tam Romans – Lincoln, NE

    Bill & Becky Behrendt – Ravenna, NE

Step-Grandchildren:              
    Logan Behrendt

    Mitch Behrendt

    Alex Behrendt

    Brady Romans

Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Great-Nieces, and Great-Nephews