| Graduation Year | Class of 1965 |
| Date of Passing | Nov 30, 2013 |
| About | Dennis M. Hardekopf, 66, of Grand Island died Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013, at home surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, with a family prayer service at 10:15 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. The Rev. Jack Gillam will officiate. Burial will be at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at All Faiths Funeral Home. Mr. Hardekopf was born March 4, 1947, at Grand Island to Earle and Roma (Hild) Hardekopf. Survivors of the immediate family include his wife of 47 years, Diane; children, Anita Greenwood and her special friend, Craig McLey, of Alda; Denise (Ben) Murry of Nebraska City, and Eric (Angie) Hardekopf of Grand Island; a brother, Eldon (Pat) Hardekopf of Denison, Iowa; and sisters, Gloria (Buck) Barnes of Richmond, Va., and Mary (Tom) Rogan of Grand Island. Those also left to cherish his memory are grandchildren, Amy Greenwood, Mariah Husen, Brandon Greenwood, Sabrina Winningham, Augustus Husen, Elias Husen, Brody Hardekopf and Ethan Hardekopf, and many wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Dennis was raised in Grand Island, attending Trinity Lutheran School and graduating from Grand Island Senior High, Class of 1965. He served in the Nebraska Army National Guard from 1966 to 1972. On June 25, 1966, he was united in marriage to Diane Wiles. They lived at Norfolk from 1976 to 1981, before returning to Grand Island. Dennis worked for Western Electric for 12 years, then retiring from Northwestern Bell in 1996. Following retirement, he did contract work in many different states. Memberships included Trinity Lutheran Church, American Quarter Horse Association, Roundup Riders of the Rockies and South Central Nebraska Corvette Club. He was a true horseman, having enjoyed raising, riding, showing and roping. He enjoyed deer hunting and was an avid Husker fan. Dennis always cared for others. His greatest enjoyment was time spent with family. A memorial fund will be established in memory of Dennis. |
