Barbara C. Schnase

Barbara C. Schnase, 91, of Hastings died on November 29, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hastings with Pastor Joel Remmers officiating. A private family burial will take place prior to services. Visitation with family present will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Apfel Funeral Home in Hastings.

Memorials can be given to First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Hastings Catholic Schools, or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be sent to www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Collette Wells Schnase was born in Palisade, NE to Paul and Mary Wells on July 5, 1934. She was the third of three children. She attended elementary school in Heartwell, NE and moved to Hastings with her sister to attend St. Cecilia High School where she graduated in 1951.

She then attended Hastings College with the intent to become an English Teacher. While she was in college she worked for the Hastings Phone Company. She met Larry Schnase and they eloped to Gainesville, TX on November 22, 1954. One of her favorite stories to tell was that she was married in the middle of the night by a one-armed Justice of the Peace. In 1957, after Larry finished school, they moved to Hastings. They raised 4 children: Jim, David, Joni, and Rick.

Barbara was a member of Lochland Country Club and First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She was active in her community with many volunteer and philanthropic opportunities. She helped Larry with his business interests while raising four children. Along with her husband, they quietly helped families in need via two local churches and many other agencies.

Barbara is survived by her sons: Jim (Patty) Schnase, David (Debra) Schnase, Rick (Anne VanSkiver) Schnase; daughter; Joni (Bruce Bohlen) Schnase Martin; grandchildren: Joe Schnase, Eric (Sara) Schnase, Matt (Amy) Schnase, Grant (Christine) Johnson, Kate Johnson, Sara (Tim) Stroman, Ali (Dylan) Flinn, Reid (Abby) Johnson, Collin (Salie Garcia) Schnase, Thomas (Makenzi) Schnase, Kaylynn (Josh) Ibarra, Shania Olmedo; great-grandchildren: Carry, Dakota, Dalton, Alayna, Sophie, Austin, Taylor, Owen, Molly, Mason, Cal, Zoey, June, Ari, Ivy, Baker, Warner, Thompson, Cooper, and Clairice; great-great-grandchildren: Avery, Laylah, and Finn; many nieces and nephews; and special caregiver: Nancy Krull.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Paul and Mary Wells; sister: Mary Lou Bouillette; brother: Tom Wells; four half-brothers and half-sister; sisters-in-law: Arlene Laux, Neva Semotan, Shirley Hatfield, and Donna Wells; brothers-in-law: Robert Laux, Ken Hatfield, Jim Semotan, and Gil Brouillette.