Monday, May 19, 2014 ~ 10:30 a.m.
St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church ~ Wahoo, Nebraska
Interment at St. Francis Cemetery ~ Wahoo, Nebraska
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Visitation ~ 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Knights of Columbus Rosary ~ 5:00 p.m.
St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church ~ Wahoo, Nebraska
St. Wenceslaus Building Fund
Gary F. Hatfield was born March 28, 1940 in Bedford, IA to Cecil and Ruth (Reed) Hatfield. He grew up in Iowa and graduated from Clarinda High School in 1958. He joined the US Navy and served four years until being honorably discharged. He was married to Julie Bouc on April 24, 1965 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Davey, NE. They lived in Lincoln, NE and Gary began attending the University of Nebraska School of Law. After passing the bar, he practiced law at Pharies & Torpin Law Firm in Central City, NE. Within a few years, he was elected to serve as a judge in Merrick County and also served within the judicial district. They lived in Central City for 35 years. He retired in 2005 and he and Julie moved to Wahoo, NE. Gary passed away at home May 13, 2014.
Gary was a parishioner at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1833, a former Grand Knight at St. Michaels Church in Central City, a CCD teacher at St. Michaels and Blessed Sacrament Church in Grand Island, a member of the Nebraska Bar Association, VW Club of Omaha and he volunteered for Wahoo Busy Wheels.
Gary loved being a grandparent, playing with his grandchildren and he adored them. He was also very proud of his children. He had an adventurous spirit and he enjoyed his VW collection. Gary devoutly prayed the rosary everyday the last 30 years.
He is survived by his wife Julie; children and spouses Suzanne and Ron Hagge, Jason and Jamie Hatfield, Jennifer and Shane Oswald, Marnie and Travis Toline and Nick and Jessica Hatfield; eleven grandchildren; mother Ruth Garrison; sisters Joyce Bromley, Janice Martin, Sally Domeier and Brenda Milz. He was preceded in death by his father and brother David Hatfield.
Julie and Family, We are so sad to hear the news of Gary’s passing. Please know you all will be in our prayers during this time of grief. We remember many good times with Gary and Julie.
Gary was such a happy person and really seemed to enjoy driving the Busy Wheels for the Wahoo Senior Center. He will be missed by many.
Gary and Julie were Special neighbors and friends, The family is in our thoughts and prayers, we have shared so many memories over the years, God bless you.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you; I am so sorry for your loss!
Suzanne and family, We are so sad to hear the new of Gary’s passing. We all thought a lot of him and enjoyed all the visits we would have. When they moved to Wahoo it was nice to see him while passing thru. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you all thru this time. Lots of memories.
Julie and family – you have our deepest sympathy in the passing of your beloved Gary. He was such an honorable man, a great example of a family and professional person. He was very kind and always so friendly. When I worked at the courthouse he was always fun to visit with. I am sure he will be missed by so many people. Sincerely, Bill and Margaret Clemans
Dear Suzanne and Family, Gary saw hope in me at a time in my life when few others did. He gave me the benefit of the doubt in his courtroom on more than one occasion. This helped me to find confidence in myself and paved a positive road for my future. My interactions with him contributed to positive changes in my life more than 30 years ago. All I needed was a chance and he gave that to me. I only wish I could have thanked him one more time. My sincere sympathy to you all.
I was shock and sadden to hear Judge Hatfield passed away. I served with him as a Probation Officer for many years and always enjoyed his sense of humor and some time his sense of justice. He always had time to visit with you about history, especially frontier history. Judge Hatfield will be missed by all that knew him and served with him.
Jim Schaefer
I happened to think of Gary today. What a shock to see he was residing in Heaven. My husband and I knew Gary and his mom Ruth. They were both dear to us. I have very, very fond memories. My husband went to Heaven in 2012. Maybe they have met up already! God bless you all!