Hastings resident Francis J. “Frank” Krovance, 96, passed away Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings, Nebraska.
Graveside services with military rites by the Hastings Military Honor Guard were Nov. 13 at Parkview Cemetery in Hastings with Father Thomas Brouillette officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Crossroads Center Rescue Mission, Hastings.
Frank was born March 13, 1927, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Joseph and Sigrid (Skow) Krovance. A USN WWII veteran, enlisting in March 1944.
He served as a fireman on the USS Currier destroyer escort in both the European and Pacific Theatres until his honorable discharge in June 1946. Also a Korean War veteran, he enlisted in the USMC in August 1948; shipping out with the 1st Marine Bridage in July 1950 for Pusan, Korea. He went on to fight with the 1st Marine Division, 5th Bridage, “A” Company including the Inchon land (September 1950) and the Chosin Reservoir (November-December 1950). As a Marine, he served as a recoilless rifle crew member/ infantry. He was honorably discharged in August 1952 while stationed at the Hastings NAD.
Frank married Betty (Rutherford) Hinkle on Feb. 14, 1952. Following Betty’s death in March 1975; he married Vi McCauley on July 30, 1977. Vi passed in December 1987. He retired in 1986 after a 33-year employment with Western Land Roller.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; both wives, Betty and Vi; brother, James Krovance Guffey; grandson, Brett Shields; step-grandchildren, Patricia Prevette, Jim Prevette, David Dixon; step-son, Larry Prevette; and step-daughter, Joyce Richardson.
Survivors are step-daughter Vicki Hinkle (Bob) Shields; son Sid (Barb) Krovance; step-son Gary (Judy) Prevette; grandchildren Scott Shields, Emily Krovance (Roger) Aviles, Aaron (Katie) Krovance, Karissa Krovance (Jake) Holsan, Bryce Krovance; step-grandchildren John Prevette, Julie Boydston, KayCee Sheppard, Debbie Dixon, Ryan Richardson, Jeff Anderson; great-grandchildren Ben Aviles, Teddy Aviles, Joe Krovance, Caroline Krovance, Nora Krovance, Denver Simmons.