Norman R. Hand

Norman Ray Hand, age 94 of Pleasanton, died on Friday, June 6, 2025 at the Mt. Carmel Home – Keens Memorial in Kearney. Funeral services will be on Friday, June 13, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Pleasanton. Pastor Dean Hanson will officiate, and the burial will follow at the Pleasanton Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the church in Pleasanton. Memorials are suggested to Grace Lutheran Church or the Pleasanton Volunteer Fire Department. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a message or condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements. Norman was born on October 28, 1930 on the family farm in rural Pleasanton, NE to Raymond and Julia (Klein) Hand. He attended Pleasanton High School and graduated in 1949. He was united in marriage to June I. Pritchard on November 3, 1949 in Grand Island, NE. They started married life on the "Halpin Farm" later known as "Honeymoon Hill." Their children Bobby Ray and Sherry Lynn were born while on the farm. In 1956 the family moved to Pleasanton where Renee' Denise and Jon Michael joined the family. Norman and June, along with their friends Duane and Adaline Geisler, bought and operated Capp's Cafe for a couple years. Norman began pursuing his lifelong dream of flight with flying lessons from his friend Floyd Capellen of Hazard. In 1958, he proudly earned his commercial and multi-engine pilot's license. For the next 15 years, he worked as a crop duster, with his beloved wife June by his side as his flagman. In 1974, he transitioned from aviation to entrepreneurship, founding his own machining business, Hand Machining Co., currently operated by his sons Bob and Jon. Norman’s passions were as wide-ranging as they were heartfelt. He enjoyed playing golf, taking air-boat rides on the river, John Deere tractors, and was involved with the Pleasanton Gun Club. Norman also had a passion for writing poetry to commemorate life experiences and his love for family and friends. He was a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church since its founding in 1955, Norman’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. In 1982, Norman and June were honored with the Ak-Sar-Ben Good Neighbor Award, recognizing their outstanding civic responsibility. He was a dedicated member of the Pleasanton Fire Department and served on the ambulance team for many years. His commitment to public service also included 12 years on the Village Board of Trustees. A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Norman was a proud member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), through which he shared his love of flight with over 300 young people as part of the Young Eagles program — offering first-time airplane rides and inspiring future pilots. Norman worked as an airplane courier and flew commercially for Caldwell Manufacturing. He restored a rare L-14 aircraft, believed to be the only one flying in the world today, and also owned a Navion. Norman also gave generous time to the youth of his community, helping from the sidelines with the school football program for over 18 years. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his deep love for family, friends and the community, and 70 years of steadfast companionship he shared with June. Surviving relatives include his son, Bobby Ray (Leatta) Hand of Pleasanton; son-in-law Dick Fisher of Scottsbluff, NE; son, Jon (Diane) Hand of Pleasanton; grandchildren, Amber (Travis) Richard of Pleasanton, JenaRae (Eric) Vieth of Aurora, Chevy Fisher and James (Candace) Fisher of Scottsbluff, Ricky (Becca) Fisher of Cheyenne, WY, Dalton (Jessica) Hand, Adeline (Adam) Starr, Conner Hand of Pleasanton; sister-in-laws, Delda Johnson, Corene (Errol) Phillips, Corliss (Phil) Dixon, Iva Pritchard and brother-in-law Brian (Hope) Pritchard, all of Pleasanton; eleven great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. Norman was preceded in death by his wife, June (2020); daughter, Renee' (1978) and daughter, Sherry (2023); parents, brother Rex and sister-in-laws Betty Hand and Carolyn Pritchard; brother-in-laws Bob Pritchard and Donald Klein.

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Norman R. Hand

October 28, 1930 - June 6, 2025