Funeral services with military honors for 89-year old John Gaswick of rural Hay Springs, NE, are Wed, May 22, 2024 at 10:30 at the United Methodist Church in Hay Springs.
Burial will be the next day, Thursday, May 23rd at 10:00 at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Norfolk, NE
Visitation is Tuesday, May 21, from 5:00 to 7:00, also at the United Methodist Church.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to the United Methodist Church in Hay Springs, the Hay Springs School-Community Foundation, or the donor’s choice. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel at PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.
Online condolences may be left at chamberlainchapel.com
ohn Douglas Gaswick, 89, of rural Hay Springs, passed away on May 16, 2024. John was born on the 4th of July 1934, to George G. and E. Doris (Butzine) Gaswick. He grew up on the family farm and ranch northeast of Hay Springs with his younger siblings, George J., and Evelyn (“Evie”). He attended country school through the 8th grade and graduated from Hay Springs High School in 1952 with his brother, George. In high school, John was active in FFA, was an award winner of grain production at the State level, and a member of the award-winning livestock judging team at the National level. He continued his agricultural education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for two years, where he also played on the college baseball team. Shortly after meeting Marilyn Rice of Norfolk, “the prettiest girl on east campus”, John asked her to be his date to a Pershing Rifles social. According to John, “they really hit it off” and were a couple ever since. John served in the United States Army as a combat engineer. He was also an accomplished sharpshooter and traveled throughout Europe. Upon his return from the service, John and Marilyn exchanged wedding vows on November 15, 1958. They made their home south of Hay Springs. The couple welcomed Douglas Gene in 1959; Dwight Glenn in 1961; Doyle Robert in 1964; Deborah Mae in 1965; Dallas Ann in 1971; and Darren Jon in 1975.
John’s days were full of farming and ranching with his brother, George, which they did for over 40 years together. They were proud of and known for their Angus cattle herd. He instilled his hard work ethic in his children and taught them various mechanical skills. John enjoyed his assortment of 90 old-model tractors, and lots of farming and haying equipment. He could fix most anything, and right up until his death, he could tell you anything you wanted to know about his tractors.
In his later years, John also worked for the Alliance Post Office and retired after 20 years. He thoroughly enjoyed this job and the camaraderie he had with his coworkers.
John was preceded in death by his parents; his brother George and wife, Bonnie; his sister Evelyn Jones; a niece, Rochelle (Jones) Batt; and numerous older relatives.
John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marilyn; children Doug (Judy) of Imperial, NE; Dwight of Hay Springs, NE; Doyle (Erika) of Hay Springs, NE; Deb (Norm) Yoast of Craig, CO; Dallas (Brent) Mehling of Lincoln, NE; and Darren of Reno, NV. Survivors also include grandchildren Nathan (Krystle) Gaswick and their children, Devan, Audra, and Emery of Imperial, NE; Nicki (Todd) Boardman of Stillwater, OK; Lindsey (Mike) Possehl and their daughter, Zoey of Tiffin, IA; Colten Yoast of Steamboat Springs, CO; Charles and Theodore Mehling of Lincoln, NE; William, Jane, and George R. Gaswick of Hay Springs, NE. Also surviving are his brother-in-law, Jim Jones of Sidney, NE, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron, NE.