Saturday, July 24, 2021 ~ 10:00 a.m.
Riverview Community Church ~ Ashland, Nebraska
*Face coverings are required for attendance.
Ashland United Methodist Church
1442 Adams St. Ashland, NE 68003
The Monarch
4201 S. 78th St, Lincoln, NE 68506
Community Care Hospice
300 S. 68th St Pl #205, Lincoln, NE 68510
Leland D. Hiatt, 97 of Lincoln, NE and formerly of Ashland, NE passed away Saturday, December 19, 2020 at the Monarch in Lincoln.
I was born in Rising City, NE on January 21, 1923, the second of six siblings born in the family of Welford M. and Angie M. (Blank) Hiatt. I attended school in Rising City, NE, graduating in 1940 and attended Teachers College in Kearney, NE earning an Elementary Teaching Certificate which I used for two years at Seward County School District # 43, known as the Ritchie School.
In June of 1943 I was drafted in the U.S. Army where I served nearly three years active duty in various stateside assignments, ending up in Namur, Belgium (127th Finance Disbursing Section) and in Hofheim, Germany (3rd Military Government Regiment). When I was discharged from my WWII service, I remained 16 additional years in the Army Reserves.
I married my high school sweetheart, Kathryn VanMatre on Jun 2, 1946. We had four children who have made us very proud; Terry, Ivalee, Deni and Amy.
I attended Nebraska Wesleyan University for a short time, then completed the accounting courses offered by the National Business Institute and the General Motors Business School. I was an accountant for Laune Chevrolet in Ashland, NE for six years and DuTeau Chevrolet in Lincoln, NE for 25 years. I retired in 1985.
I had the honor of helping during the 1990 national census as an enumerator in Cass and Lancaster counties. I was a desk clerk at Mahoney State park during the summer months while living in Ashland. I was a school board member, member of the Ashland-Greenwood School Foundation for 25 years, Executive Secretary of the School Board for 16 years, member of the Library Board and secretary of the Chamber of Commerce. I’ve been an active member of the United Methodist Church for over 80 years filling many positions. Music was my passion for many years.
I leave behind my wife of 74 plus years, Kathryn; my son, Terry (Beverly) Hiatt; my three daughters, Ivalee (Dennis) Dowd, Deni (Douglas) Hill and Amy (Brock) Angelos; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; my brother, Orin “Bud” Hiatt; my sisters-in-law, Helen (Max) Snyder and Marian (John) Hendrick; many nieces, nephews, friends and acquaintances.
Thank you everyone who was a part of Dad’s life.
I always enjoyed him when I was a kid going to the Methodist Church. He always smiled and had a funny story or joke. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Great Man with a great sense of humor always good with story and a great supporter of the community.
Lee and Kay were always so kind and faithful. Lee sang out and praised God with his glorious voice. Lee loved his wife and family, he was so proud and honored by how his kids looked out for he and Kay. Lee loved every phase of his life, working at the Park and driving to Church on Sunday until he gave up driving. The heavenly choir will enjoy their newest member.
So sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. I grew up in the Methodist Church in Ashland with their children. I have fond memories of him- a kind and handsome man who always had a smile on his face! Our sympathies to all the family!
Sorry about Lee’s passing. They were a great part of our church, wonderful friends and guides growing up. I remember him leading the childrens music time, youth fellowship, he sang at my wedding, and many others. They were great friends with my parents. It saddens our heart when we lose a person so special. He is certain to be in Gods arms in heaven.