Gary Raymond Haddan

Gary Raymond Haddan, lovingly known as “Big G”, was born September 15, 1941 in Fairbury, NE to Raymond and Ella (Naiman) Haddan and passed away September 28, 2023.  He was a life-long member of Grace Lutheran Church, having been baptized in 1941 and confirmed in 1955.    He graduated from Fairbury High School with the Class of 1959 and enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard.  After completing his obligation he returned home to work with his father in the wrecker and excavating business, providing 24/7 wrecker service.  He was well known in the surrounding counties for his ability to handle accidents involving semis.  He would also assist with cleaning up train derailments in the surrounding five state area.  While driving around town, he would often reminisce about all the house basements he had dug.  His most notable demolition job was razing the Mari Etta Hotel here in Fairbury.  Gary was instrumental in developing a small farming operation and an ag lime quarry near Gladstone.  He remained active in running the businesses until his passing.

Gary married Maxine D. Meyer on November 24, 1967 and to this union, three children were born: Shari, Sheila, and Ryan.

Gary served on the City Council from 1973 – 1984, and again from 1993 – 1998.  He was a member of the Fairbury Jaycees and a 50 year member of the Fairbury Elks Club.  He enjoyed playing city league volleyball and bowling in the Sunday night league.  Gary enjoyed watching the Huskers as well as the Royals and Chiefs.  He provided tow truck services at the Jefferson County Speedway and was an avid NASCAR fan.  In his younger days, his 1966 GTO was the car to beat on the local drag strip.  He acquired his pilot’s license in 1981 and enjoyed flying his Piper Arrow airplane.  He enjoyed watching his kids participating in sports – having coached little league baseball and sponsoring the girls’ softball team, taking their team to nationals in Fort Payne, AL.  During the last ten years, Gary and Maxine enjoyed traveling with Dean and Jane Pretzer.  This included a trip on the Amazon River in South America, and trips to Germany, Singapore, England, China, Russia, Viet Nam, Galapagos Island, the Holy Land and more.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ella Haddan, sister-in-law Rosalinda Meyer, brother-in-law Ross Peters, and nephew Delayne Pohlmann.

Gary is survived by his wife Maxine; his daughters: Shari McDonald and her husband Patrick of Fort Worth, TX, and Sheila Patterson and her husband Cary of Fort Worth, TX and his son Ryan Haddan and his wife Christina of Fairbury; nine grandchildren: Jalee and Jessa McDonald of Fort Worth, TX, Abigael, Christian and Colton Patterson of Fort Worth, TX, and Madison, Makenna, Makinley, and Dylan Haddan of Fairbury; his  sister, Donna Rae Mueller and her husband Roland of Winfield, KS  brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Gaylen Meyer of Hebron, Lorena (Meyer) and her husband Merlyn Pohlmann of Deshler, Robert Meyer of Hubbell, Janet (Meyer) Peters of Broomfield, CO., JoAnne (Meyer) and her husband Gary Poppe of Chester; aunt Doris (Naiman) and her husband Orville Reinke of Fairbury: and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and an abundance of friends.

Services will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 10:30 am at Grace Lutheran Church, Fairbury, NE. Memorials will go to the family’s choice.   Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.