Harold K. Hyland

Harold Kloeppel Hyland passed from this life to eternal life on Nov. 8, 2014, at his residence at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home in Bellevue, Nebraska.

He is survived by daughter, Jolene Schaf (Larry), Columbus; sons, Terry (Annelle), Omaha, Tom (Sherry), Columbus, and Todd, Lincoln; six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by wife Philapena; infant daughter Diane; infant grandson Jamie; parents Eugene and Edith Hyland; and sister Jeanne.

Harold was born Feb. 23, 1923, in Schuyler, Nebraska. He attended school in Albion, Nebraska, and later moved with his family to Omaha, where he graduated from Omaha Benson High School in 1942. At an early age, he began playing the trombone. When he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1943-1947, he played in military bands that toured the United States to entertain the troops. After his discharge, Harold settled in Columbus, where he was employed by Mid-State Motors and later, the Lohr Petroleum Company. He retired from Lohrs in 1985 after more than 25 years of service. Harold was a long-time member of St. Bonaventure Church, singing in the choir for many years. On Sept. 15, 1951, Harold and Philapena were married at St. Bons.

Harold was truly a people person. He loved his family and friends, had a wonderful sense of humor, and was always happy to help out a friend or a stranger. He will be greatly missed by the many people whose lives he touched.

One of the great joys of Harolds life was playing his trombone in Columbus-area bands. Most recently, he performed with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra for many years. Only age and Philapenas firm request that he end his musical career on a note of good health removed him from his band chair. Harolds favorite Big Band leader was Glenn Miller, who also played the trombone, and his favorite tune was In the Mood.

Toward the end of his life, Harold became part of a second family as a resident of the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home. The morning of his passing, several of the Homes staff members were with him to provide comfort and support. The Hyland family will always be grateful to the compassionate care, kindness, and respect everyone at the Home showed for Harold.
Night, Dad.

Memorials may be directed to the wishes of the family.