Carol J (Lockard) Kiolbasa

Hastings resident Carol J. (Lockard) Kiolbasa, 92, was born on December 20, 1933, in the serene town of Shelby, Nebraska, and peacefully passed away at home on October 10, 2026. Her life was a vivid tapestry of love, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community.

Rosary will be at 7:00 P.M., Friday, October 16, 2026, at Butler Volland Chapel, in Hastings, NE. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, October 17, 2026, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Hastings, NE, with Father Jeremy Hazuka officiating. Burial will be held at Parkview Cemetery in Hastings, NE. Visitation will be Friday, October 16, 2026, from 1:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., with family present from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be made to Catholic Social Services, reflecting Carol's enduring commitment to helping others. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website. To view the service, go to Carol’s obituary and click the play button shown towards the bottom of the page. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lbvfh.com. Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home & Cremation Center is serving the family.

The beloved daughter of George Dewey and Dora (Coker) Lockard, Carol was raised with strong family values alongside her three sisters, Margaret Bader, Georgia Duell, and Patricia Miller, all of whom predeceased her. A bright and promising student, Carol graduated as the Valedictorian from Silver Creek High School in 1951. Her passion for learning earned her a scholarship through the Regents exam, paving the path for her career in education. Carol pursued her studies in Central City and Kearney State College before dedicating three years as a teacher in the small rural schools of Polk and Merrick counties.

In 1953, Carol married the love of her life, Leonard A. Kiolbasa, in Clarks, and together, they built a life rich in love and laughter. Carol and Leonard were blessed with seven children: Christine (Al) Schwieger, Lee Kiolbasa, Michael (Debbie) Kiolbasa, Richard (Nicolette) Kiolbasa, Steven (Ann) Kiolbasa, Cathy (Doug) Miller, and Candace (Ed) Joliffe. Her legacy further extends to her 12 cherished grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her days.

In 1977, Carol and her family moved to Hastings, where she became a pillar of the St. Michael's Catholic Church community for nearly five decades. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and her involvement with the Catholic Daughters, choir, quilting group, and other church activities was a testament to her dedication.

Carol's professional journey was as varied as it was fulfilling. After her initial years in education, she dedicated herself to being a homemaker and seamstress, nurturing her family's needs with love and skill. Her compassionate nature led her to a 17-year career as a nurse's aide at Good Samaritan Village, from which she retired at the age of 72.

Carol's hands were seldom idle. An avid reader, she found joy in the written word and in creating culinary delights—pies, kolaches, runzas, and cinnamon rolls—that were as delightful as they were lovingly crafted. Her talents extended to sewing, quilting, and various crafts, often collaborating with Leonard to paint or stain his woodworking pieces, or breathe new life into old furniture. Carol's generosity knew no bounds; she never met a baby who didn’t deserve a newly sewn blanket.

Her family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Homestead Assisted Living, Mary Lanning Hospital, and Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be made to Catholic Social Services, reflecting Carol's enduring commitment to helping others.

Carol's life was a beautiful journey of faith, family, and heartfelt service. Her memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved.