Larry Dean Nowka, 77, of Hastings, NE went to be with the Lord on July 22, 2018 surrounded by his family at his home.
Larry was born on August 16, 1940 in Hastings, NE to Wilfred and Edith (Rothfuss) Nowka. A lifelong resident of Hastings, Larry graduated from Hastings Senior High School in 1958, where he then continued on to Central Community College earning various certificates in Electrical Maintenance. At an early age he learned the art of hospitality and serving others with joy. Expanding upon these skills he found work at Hastings Meat Supply, Stop and Shop Meat Market, and the University of Nebraska. Larry began working for Farmland Industries as a Maintenance Engineer in 1968. Always a staunch believer in the value of dedication and hard work, Larry received numerous promotions and transitioned to management roles in the mid-80s. After faithfully serving alongside many treasured friends and co-workers, Larry retired from Farmland Industries in 2001.
In 1961 Larry married Carolyn (Miller) at the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings. Together they raised three children and influenced hundreds of others through leadership volunteering with Boy Scouts of America, Hastings High Band Parent Assoc. and Little League. Larry was an active member of The First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, where he taught Sunday school, served as both a Deacon and Elder, and helped to create “Go and Serve”, a short term missions program for High School Students. Over the years Larry enjoyed preparing community meals and creating award winning recipes as he tirelessly worked to raise money for charitable youth causes both locally and abroad. In later years, Larry could be found behind the reception desk of Mary Lanning Hospital. He also would be found with his Coffee Gang at McDonald’s early in the morning solving the world’s problems.
Larry’s life was filled with home cooked family dinners and award winning BBQs, happy grandchildren playing at his feet, the sound of high school marching bands echoing in the distance and good friends always ready to participate in a good practical joke. With a passion for Christ and the Church along with a calling to serve God’s children, Larry’s life touched the lives of many others through service and prayer.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents and sister Joyce (Nowka) Bailey.
Larry is survived by his wife, Carolyn and their three children, Tammie Nowka of Hastings, NE, Mark (Angie) Nowka of Beatrice, NE and Michelle (Nowka) King of Hastings, NE. He is also survived by his grandchildren Brittany, Braden, Ryann and Josh; extended family Bill & Javae Redinger and their daughters Emma & Grace of Hastings, NE; and countless family and friends.
A Celebration of Larry’s life will be held on August 4, 2018 officiated by Rev. Greg Allen-Pickett and Rev. Duane Queen located at the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, at 10 A.M. Please dress casually. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings and to Mary Lanning Health Care Hospice.
