Kenneth Craig Froschheuser

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth Craig Froschheuser, who passed away on July 26, 2026, at the age of 79. He was born on April 21, 1947, in Hastings, Nebraska, where he learned the values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance that would define the rest of his life.

On January 20, 1969, he married the love of his life, Jacquelyn J. Frye, beginning a marriage that spanned more than 57 years and was built on love, loyalty, and unwavering commitment. Together, they raised three daughters who were blessed with a father whose actions taught them far more than words ever could. His daughters attribute their success in life to being raised in a loving family where their father was always present and his love was unconditional.

Ken proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Ranger. His military service reflected the same sense of duty and dedication that he carried throughout every chapter of his life.

Ken devoted 38 years to Hastings Utilities at the Whelan Energy Center, earning the respect of coworkers and friends through his exceptional work ethic and dependability. One memory perfectly captures his character. After a heavy snowstorm, the residential streets had not been plowed, and his wife begged him to stay home. Determined to make it to work, he shoveled a path a block and a half through deep snow to reach a road which had been partially plowed. That kind of determination, responsibility, and selflessness defined the way he lived every day. For Ken, showing up and doing what needed to be done was never optional.

Ken was an accomplished pool player who competed in countless tournaments and leagues over the years. To many, he wasn't just a good player; he was a legend whose skill, sportsmanship, and love of the game were admired by everyone who knew him. Most Hastings residents probably do not know that Murphy's Wagon Wheel and the adjacent space once housed Froschheuser's Tavern, where there was a cigar store, card room, and billiard tables. Ken grew up playing pool in his family's tavern, where his lifelong passion for the game began.

Besides pool, Ken found joy in many pursuits. He was an avid reader who especially loved history books. He enjoyed a challenging game of chess and putting together difficult puzzles. He took great pride in landscaping and maintaining his lawn. Ken's father was a railroad engineer, which sparked a lifelong love of trains. He loved animals of all kinds, especially the many dogs he had throughout his life. One evening, he found a stray dog while at work. He named her Lady and she became a resident at the Energy Center. Lady was loved and cared for by all the employees. Ken spent Baseball season watching the New York Yankees, and football season meant cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Perhaps what people will remember most was his generous spirit, bright smile and infectious giggle. He had an uncanny ability to make people smile and was always the first to offer a helping hand. Even when his health was failing, he continued looking for ways to serve others.

His family will remember him as a devoted husband, loving father, proud veteran, loyal friend, and a man of integrity whose example taught the importance of family, humility, compassion, and hard work. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the values he instilled, and the countless acts of kindness he performed without expecting anything in return.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jackie; his three daughters, Melissa Edwards (Marmion) and Melanie Curry (Rich), both of Hastings, and Marchand Froschheuser-Fricke (David) of Frisco, Texas; grandchildren Cameron (Emily), Challen, and MaKenna Edwards; Michael Curry (Heidi) and Makayla Curry-Hueftle (Braden); and Katelyn and Colton Fricke; great-granddaughter McKinley; sister Karen Glass (John) of Hastings; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth C. and Ellen K. Froschheuser (Hoagland).

Though our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the years we shared with him. His love, strength, generosity, and gentle humor will remain with us always. He leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by accomplishments alone, but by the countless lives he made brighter simply by being himself. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

The family is having a private celebration of life. Condolences may be sent to the family online at Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home www.lbvfh.com. In honor of Ken's love of animals, memorials may be given in his name to Good Life Rescue in Grand Island or Start Over Rover in Hastings.

The world is a little less bright without him, but his love and the example he set will continue to guide us for generations to come.