He married Ruby Dell Applegate on January 6, 1935 in Fremont, Nebraska. They lived in Oakland, Iowa where Harry was the manager of a grocery store and Ruby, his partner of 73 years, began working along side of him. They moved to Scribner, NE in 1949 when they bought and began operation of the Scribner Theater. Harry sold paper products for Nogg Brothers Paper Company throughout the years. Somehow in this busy schedule he also sold advertising specialties for Banker's Advertising Company of Iowa City, Iowa, becoming a District Manager and District Manager Emeritus for Nebraska and Western Iowa. He held a position on the Board of Directors of Banker's Advertising Company for 20 years and was named Director Emeritus.
Harry was a member of the United Church of Christ in Scribner. He was also a member of Scribner Masonic Lodge No. 32 A.F. & A.M. where he was a past master and the Jordan Medal Holder. He was a member and past master of Ark Lodge No. 335 A.F. & A.M. of Oakland, Iowa, a member of the Valley of Omaha Scottish Rite, Tangier Shrine Center of Omaha, the Fremont Shrine Club, and Friendship Chapter 122 Order of the Easter Star. Harry was a member of the Scribner Chamber of Commerce since 1949 and was instrumental in organizing many community pancake breakfasts, and bringing Santa to town with December matinees at the Theater for area children. Harry was a past member of the Scribner School Board for 23 years. He was also the Dodge County Parade Announcer for 40 years. The fair board honored Harry as the Grand Marshall of the parade the year he retired. Harry was also a member of the Scribner Cemetery Board.
He enjoyed his many fishing trips, motorhome travels, and Sundays at the airport. He gave countless number of boy scouts their first airplane ride.
He is survived by his wife Ruby, 3 daughters Connie and husband Don Havekost of Hooper, NE, Diane and husband Pat Shimoda of Orange, CA, and Ellen and husband Alan Ott of Hooper, NE, 2 brothers Elwyn 'Sport' Hummel of Oakland, Iowa and Kenneth and wife Peg Hummel of Council Bluffs, Iowa, 2 sisters Marge Bates of Council Bluffs and Rilma Hummel of Omaha, NE. Harry also leaves 8 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 6 step-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son-in-law, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
The funeral service will be 11 AM Saturday (Aug. 9th) in the United Church of Christ in Scribner with Larry Jirsak officiating. The committal will follow in the Scribner Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the United Church of Christ. Visitation at Ludvigsen's Scribner Funeral Chapel will be on Friday from 3 to 8 PM with the family present from 6 to 8 PM. A Masonic Service, open to the public, will be conducted at 7 PM in the funeral chapel by Scribner Lodge No. 32 A.F. & A.M.
Condolences(5)
Mike and Karen Kuzelka
Wisner,, NE Friday, August 8, 2008 Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Harry was truly a fine friend. He provided us with a lot of pens and centennial things over the years. It was a real treat to visit with him. He now is in the good Lord's care and keeping. Mike and Karen KuzelkaKeralyn Groff
Lino Lakes, MN Friday, August 8, 2008 Aunt Ruby, Connie, Diane and Ellen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your families during this time of saying good-bye. I have many fond memories of Uncle Harry, from family dinners to my first airplane ride to my first time in a movie theater. He brought joy to so many, and his example will live on. With deepest sympathy. Keralyn Hummel GroffJohn H Clopper
Sequim, WA Friday, August 8, 2008 Harry, I met you for the first time 33 years ago and I knew from the moment that I met you that you had a special spot reserved for you in heaven. You never had a harsh word to say about anyone and you worshipped the ground that Ruby walked on. You had my respect and I will always remember you. God bless you ... Rest in Peace. John ClopperMary Bruns
Gregory, SD Thursday, August 7, 2008 I will always remember the day I met Harry at a trade show in Omaha. Little did I know that I would be joining Bankers Advertising soon after because of that meeting. His phone calls & letters of encouragement helped a great deal when I first joined Bankers. I was so very proud to receive the Salesman of the Year award in Florida with Harry & Ruby in attendance and have my picture taken with this great man [I will treasure that photo forever]. I will miss my hugs at the sales meetings, but I know my "guardian angel" will still be at my side encouraging me to do my best. God bless Ruby and the family at this sad time. Mary BrunsPhilip and Kari Divis
Avon, Oh Thursday, August 7, 2008 We only knew Harry for a short while, but we could tell that he was a special man. May God grant him eternal rest. May God bless his family now, and always.