LAURA HASTEDT
Laura Hastedt was born Aug. 26, 1927. She went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 31, 2022, at age 95 surrounded by her beloved niece Carrie and great-niece Carissa. Laura was the youngest of nine children born to Kate and Harvey Whittenberg. She graduated from Paradise, Texas, High School in 1945, and then attended North Texas State University, receiving her bachelor’s degree. Then she attended Texas Women’s University, earning her master’s degree.
After graduation, Laura taught high school in several West Texas towns until 1957 when she became a business and data processing teacher at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas (now Texas State University). She taught there for 30 years, making many cherished friends.
In 1975, Laura married the love of her life, Jay Hastedt. They enjoyed traveling and caring for their Red Brangus cattle until Jay was killed in a tragic automobile accident in 1986. After his death, Laura continued to be active in ranching and served as president of the American Red Brangus Association.
Laura never met a stranger. She enjoyed taking cruises and traveled to every continent, including Antarctica. She truly loved Columbus, Texas, and was active in The Christian Women’s group and several bridge clubs. She adored her church, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Columbus, and faithfully served in many capacities there over the years.
Laura found great joy in contributing to various charities and causes that she heard about, and rarely said no to someone who was in need.
Aunt Laura, called “Aunt Lolly” by loved ones, was adored by her family. She never had children of her own, but was deeply loved by many nieces, nephews, great- and even greatgreat- nieces and nephews. She loved to have fun and make her family happy. Aunt Lolly was THE BEST AUNT!
Laura was preceded in death by her parents and all eight siblings: Mark, Millie, Wayne, Louis, Glen, Horace, Bonnie and Althea.
Survivors include many nieces, nephews and friends. In her final years, she was lovingly cared for in her home by her Columbus caregivers. In February 2022 she moved to Wichita Falls and was lovingly cared for by the wonderful staff at House of Hope.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus. Visitation was 9-10 a.m.
Burial followed in Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery in Columbus.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, TX 76310 or The Alzheimer’s Association, 6055 South Loop East, Houston, TX 77087.
Laura … “Lived well, laughed often and loved much!”
Online condolences may given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.