James B. "Jim" Harrenstein

Hastings resident James B. “Jim” Harrenstein, 72, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings, NE.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 25, at First Presbyterian Church in Hastings with Rev. Greg Allen-Pickett officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, September 25, at Hanover Presbyterian Cemetery in Glenvil. Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. with the family present 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, September 24, at the funeral home, and one hour before the service at the church. Memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church, Brooks’s Bookshelf and Special Children’s Fund. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website. To view the service, go to Jim’s obituary and click the play button shown toward the bottom of the page. 

Jim was born on August 3, 1953, in Hastings, NE to R. John and Joyce Harrenstein. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1973. He then married Carol Johansen on March 22, 1980, in Glenvil, NE. They were blessed to have just celebrated their 45th anniversary. For many years, Jim assisted his father with his well drilling business and farming. After he stopped farming, he worked at numerous jobs in the Hastings area throughout his career before retiring.

Jim’s family meant the world to him. He was very proud of his daughters, Kristan and Tracy. As they were growing up, he was always there supporting and cheering them on in their many activities. He continued to brag about all of their achievements and accomplishments even into adulthood. Jim became a grandpa six months ago and it became one of the greatest joys of his life. An activity that Jim and his wife, Carol, looked forward to every year was putting up Christmas decorations in their yard.

Jim was an active member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as an usher for many years. In recent years he became involved with the church walking group. He looked forward to the time he could spend with them each week.

Jim is survived by his wife, Carol, Hastings, NE; two daughters, Kristan (Jesse) Manske, Hickman, NE and Tracy (Kenny) Brooks, Hastings, NE; one grandson, Adam James Brooks, Hastings, NE; one brother, Jerry Harrenstein, Lincoln, NE; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, R. John and Joyce Harrenstein; sister-in-law, Sue Harrenstein; and his grandparents.