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Keith LaVerne “Swede” Fastenau

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Keith LaVerne “Swede” Fastenau

Birth	:	30 Nov 1935 Gosper County, Nebraska, USA
Death	:	10 Mar 2019 Elwood, Gosper County, Nebraska, USA
Burial	:	Hope Lutheran Cemetery, Smithfield, Gosper County, USA
Coordinate	:	40.5667500, -99.6800000
Description	:	Keith LaVerne “Swede” Fastenau was born November 30, 1935, on the family farm north of Bertrand to Fred and Mabel (Lavene) Fastenau. He attended Rural School District 23 and graduated from Bertrand High School in 1954. His tombstone will record that he left this world on March 10, 2019, but his spirit still lives on through his acts of kindness, his ornery nature, his thoughtful advice and his love for family and friends. Swede was blessed with two loves of his life. The first, Miriam (High) “Shorts” Fastenau, whom he married December 23, 1956, and together they raised a... Read More	Keith LaVerne “Swede” Fastenau was born November 30, 1935, on the family farm north of Bertrand to Fred and Mabel (Lavene) Fastenau. He attended Rural School District 23 and graduated from Bertrand High School in 1954. His tombstone will record that he left this world on March 10, 2019, but his spirit still lives on through his acts of kindness, his ornery nature, his thoughtful advice and his love for family and friends. Swede was blessed with two loves of his life. The first, Miriam (High) “Shorts” Fastenau, whom he married December 23, 1956, and together they raised a happy and crazy family of four kids: Mary, Jane, Jim and Amy. Swede and Shorts were a dynamic duo who worked together leading 4-H clubs, raising money for community buildings and helping to shape Hope Lutheran Church. We all remember them drinking coffee, counseling, guiding and loving so many people around their kitchen table on the farm north of town. He was devastated by Shorts’ death on April 22, 2000—however, he learned to love again and on January 11, 2003, he married Charlotte (Lennemann) Post-Fastenau. Charlotte and Swede found each other at the right time in life and discovered love the second time around. He had other loves—his cows, his kids, his grandkids and Nebraska football. A plaque on the wall at the Fastenau farm reads, “There are two things you can give your children; one is roots, and the other is wings.” At times, Swede wondered if there was too much emphasis on wings as his children and grandchildren scattered around the country. Still, the Fastenau farm and a dad’s love were the true constants in their lives. It was easier with his cows; they stayed where Swede put them. After a stroke in February 2016, Swede found another family at Elwood Care Center, another home filled with love. The staff cared for him as if he was their own father or grandfather. Swede’s kids are forever indebted to the amazing people at ECC who made his last three years a true joy. Swede’s dedication to his community started with his church, Hope Lutheran in rural Smithfield, where he was a church council member, Luther League sponsor, head usher for 40 years, and in charge of the cemetery. In addition, he served these organizations: Phelps Memorial Health Center board member; South Central Co-Op Board director (multiple terms); USDA Gosper County Farm Service (10-year service award); Bertrand Lion’s Club president four times, while the baseball diamonds were built; Bertrand Community Pool Association president; Phelps/Gosper County Feeder Association board member and president; Nebraska Cattleman’s Association board member; Bertrand Ag Society president, while the community building and 4-H barn were built and rodeo grounds renovated; American Gelbvieh Association and Gelbvieh Association of Nebraska member; Gosper County Natural Resources District board member; and Gosper County Fair board member. Awards he was honored to receive were: Gosper County 4-H Council Certificate of Appreciation, 2018; Phelps-Gosper Pioneer Feeder Award, 2002; Aksarben Foundation Pioneer Farm Award recognizing farm families who have consecutively held ownership of farmland for 100 years in 1992; and All-Conference high school football player. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Post-Fastenau; his four children: daughter, Mary Fastenau (John Flanagan) of Honolulu, HI; daughter, Jane Fastenau of Lafayette, CO; son, Jim Fastenau of Omaha; and daughter, Amy Fastenau (Mike Michel) of Minneapolis, MN. He had eight grandchildren, who were the joy of his life. They are Paige Fastenau Edwards (Andrew) of Olathe, KS; Spenser Marshall of Portland, OR; Celia Marshall (Sam Violette) of Seattle, WA; Aveline Marshall of St. Paul, MN; Enzo Marshall of Lafayette, CO; Charlie Fastenau of Omaha; and Harrison Fastenau of Omaha. He had one great grandchild, Emerson Edwards, of Olathe, KS; and sister, Loretta (Leroy Kuck) of Bertrand. He was also blessed to have relationships with Charlotte’s four children and their families: Terry and Roberta Post of McPherson, KS; Deb (Post) and Bob Cromer of Denver, CO; Tracy and Starla Post of Beatrice; and Troy and Jan Post of North Bend; and sisters-in-law: Betty Hoppe Stevens of Farnam; and Jacque Hueftle Stroup of Holdrege; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is joining the following people in heaven; his parents, Fred and Mabel (Lavene) Fastenau; sister and brother-in-law, Sam and Wauneta “Nita” (Fastenau) Stroup; sister and brother-in-law, Bob and Rogene (Fastenau) Stroup; and the following brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Robert and Dorothy High; Jim and Doris High; and Ken and Joan Stevens.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Keith LaVerne “Swede” Fastenau's memorial?
Keith LaVerne “Swede” Fastenau's memorial is located at: Hope Lutheran Cemetery, Smithfield, Gosper County, USA.
When did Keith LaVerne “Swede” Fastenau death?
Keith LaVerne “Swede” Fastenau death on 10 Mar 2019 in Elwood, Gosper County, Nebraska, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Keith LaVerne “Swede” Fastenau's memorial?
Latitude: 40.5667500
Longitude: -99.6800000

Family Members:

Parent

Fred Diedrich Heinrich Fastenau

(1902 - 1987)

Mabel LaVene Fastenau

(1908 - 1998)

Spouse

Miriam "Shorts" High Fastenau

(1935 - 2000)

Siblings

Wauneta May “Nita” Fastenau Stroup

(1929 - 2001)

Rogene Pauline Fastenau Stroup

(1932 - 2014)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Hope Lutheran Cemetery
Smithfield, Gosper County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5667500, -99.6800000

2. Keely Cemetery
Smithfield, Gosper County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5727500, -99.6563500

3. Immanuel Cemetery
Bertrand, Phelps County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5682983, -99.6283035

4. Highland Cemetery
Bertrand, Phelps County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5194016, -99.6430969

5. Yoder Cemetery
Smithfield, Gosper County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4957000, -99.6845500

6. Sandstrom Cemetery
Phelps County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5983009, -99.5661011

7. Adullam Cemetery
Bertrand, Phelps County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6265000, -99.5856000

8. Robb Cemetery
Smithfield, Gosper County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6710691, -99.6996001

9. Quakerville Cemetery
Gosper County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6189003, -99.8097000

10. Fairfield Cemetery
Gosper County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4672012, -99.7549973

11. Plum Creek Massacre Cemetery
Phelps County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6726840, -99.6058220

12. Elwood Cemetery
Elwood, Gosper County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5999300, -99.8397300

13. Loomis Cemetery
Loomis, Phelps County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4801860, -99.5128300

14. Platte Valley Cemetery
Phelps County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6425018, -99.5028000

15. Shaw Cemetery
Phelps County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4303017, -99.5781021

16. Zion Cemetery
Gosper County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4085999, -99.7005997

17. Homerville Cemetery
Gosper County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4668999, -99.8593979

18. Williamsburg Cemetery
Phelps County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6490290, -99.4543150

19. McGuire Cemetery
Gosper County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4380989, -99.8664017

20. Moses Hill Cemetery
Loomis, Phelps County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5104490, -99.4388600

21. Evergreen Cemetery
Lexington, Dawson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.7639008, -99.6791992

22. Overton Cemetery
Overton, Dawson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.7317009, -99.5222015

23. Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery
Elwood, Gosper County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4206500, -99.8672000

24. Pleasant Grove Cemetery
Gosper County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4664001, -99.9250031