Hastings resident, Lester C. Hemberger, 87, passed away Sunday, August 28, 2011 at Village Green Good Samaritan Society-Hastings Village, Hastings, Nebraska.

Rosary will be Friday, September 2, 2011; 7:00 P.M. at Butler Volland Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, September 3, 2011; 10:00 A.M. at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, Hastings with Father Andrew J. Heaslip officiating. Burial with military rites will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska. There will be no viewing; book signing will be Wednesday, August 31, 2011; 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Thursday, September 1, 2011; 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., and Friday, September 2, 2011; 9:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church. Memorials may be given to Mary Lanning Hospice.

Lester was born February 17, 1924 in Holstein, Nebraska to John & Anna (Kaiser) Hemberger. He served with the U.S. Army from August 23, 1944 until July 2, 1946. Lester married Mary Mooney on October 23, 1950; she preceded him in death in 2006. He worked as a mechanic for Carmichael’s Construction, Hillcrest Garage, and Hastings Motor Truck. He was a member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, V.F.W., and Knights of Columbus.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Hemberger; sisters, Mildred, Evelyn, Betty, and Bonnie; and brothers, Ed, Johnny, Harold, Bob, Carl, and Leonard.

Survivors include:
Children & Spouses: Mary & Ron Jones – Lincoln, NE
    Anne & Rick Pike – Divide, CO
    Karen & Jay Hamburger – Hastings, NE
Grandchildren & Spouses: Jason & Holly Pike – Austin, TX
    Kyle Jones – Lincoln, NE
    Jennifer Pike – San Diego, CA
    Rachel & Tylor Jamison – Lincoln, NE
Great-Grandson: DeeRoy Jamison – Lincoln, NE
Sisters & Brother-in-law: Verna & Dean Meyer – Hastings, NE
    Gertie Hurd – Escondido, CA
Brother & Sister-in-law: George & Carolyn Hemberger – Grand Junction, CO