Gerald G. Huffman

Gerald G. Huffman, age 82 of Hastings, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday evening, January 10, 2018, at Augustana Care of Hastings. He was born on February 3, 1935 in Harris, MN, two months early and weighing less than two pounds. When his parents, Leonard and Barbara (Salic) Huffman, were able to bring him home, they brought him home in a shoebox (he was always a survivor).He was also proud of the fact that during his grade school years, he was known as a great speller. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany during 1957-59. After returning from the service, he married Dorothy Groth, from Zumbrota, MN.After farming near Cannon Falls, he joined Operating Engineers Local 49 where he ran backhoes and other heavy equipment for 25 years. Later he joined his wife, Dorothy, in working at the Hastings School District where he was custodian prior to his retirement. He was well known throughout the community and entertained everyone he met with his wit and one-liners. He was preceded in death by parents and brother, Kenneth Huffman (Cheryl). Gerald is survived by wife, Dorothy; son, Rick Huffman (Cassie); daughters, Pam Roline (Alan), and Sandy Carlson (Greg); five loving grandchildren, Andrew and Aaron Roline, and Lauren and Alex Carlson, and Cassie Behnke (Dustin); and sisters, Darlene Groth and Kathleen Clauson (Willis). He is also survived by many wonderful friends from the Ebenezer Day Break Adult Day Center and McDonalds of Hastings. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 19, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings. Interment with Military Honors provided by the Hastings VFW Lyle Russell Post 1210 will be held at the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to Mass at church on Friday morning.In lieu of flowers, Gerald's family request memorials to American Cancer society or Alzheimer's Association in his memory. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia, Smidt Starkson Funeral Home Crematory of Hastings.