Loren Bangs

Loren Bangs, 73, died from cancer at his home in Aurora, NE on April 30, 2021.



Loren was born on October 4, 1947 in Alhambra, CA. His family moved to rural Phillips, NE in 1948 when Loren was six months old. Loren attended 9 years in a one-room schoolhouse just one mile from his home. He graduated from Phillips High School in 1965. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and was a Regents Scholar.



Loren was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War where he served approximately three years and attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Loren’s major awards were the Bronze Star for exemplary Leadership and Bravery, the Army Commendation Medal with V-Device for Valor and going above and beyond the call of duty, and the Purple Heart for injuries acquired during combat.



When he returned home, he started a custom harvest business. He followed the wheat harvest from southern Oklahoma to northern Montana. In the fall, he returned home to harvest corn, milo, and soybeans. He grew his business to include five combines, nine trucks, four pickups, and four trailer houses (sleeping quarters for the crew). After twenty-one years, he quit the wheat harvest run but continued with the fall harvest. Loren managed his brother-in-law’s medical clinic in St. Paul, NE for three years. In 1996, he started farming approximately 1100 acres and farmed the next fifteen years. He semi-retired from farming in 2010.



Loren was united in marriage to Danielle Hansen of Grand Island, NE on April 5, 1975 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Grand Island. To that union, three children were born: Angela, Brian, and Bradley. His children were his pride and joy. He enjoyed watching his children participate in dance, sports, FPS, FBLA, show choir, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and cheerleading.



He loved volunteering and served as scout leader, sponsor, driver, and supporter for his children’s activities. He enjoyed sponsoring canoe trips down the Niobrara River. He loved outdoors, enjoyed camping, and boating with his family.



Loren’s grandchildren were also his pride and joy. He enjoyed watching them play softball, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, football, volleyball, and golf. He loved watching them perform at dance recitals and enjoyed their performances at our house. Loren shared his love of the outdoors with his grandkids.



Loren was a member of the Aurora United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir and served on several committees. He served 35 years on the Goldenrod Girl Council Board of Directors and the Council’s Finance Committee. He was awarded the President’s Award which is the highest honor the Council awards.



Loren and his wife, Danielle, loved to travel together and meet new friends. They traveled to all seven continents together twice, visited 88 different countries, and visited all 50 states together. They continued to correspond with several people they met during their travels. They enjoyed 34 ocean cruises and several river cruises including the Nile in Egypt, the Yangtze in China twice, the Volga in Russia, the Danube in Europe, and the Amazon in Brazil.



Loren was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Jane; his sister, Joyce; brother, Roy Emanuel; brothers-in-law, Dr. Larry Hansen and Don Cornelius.



Those left to cherish and remember him are his wife and best friend, Danielle of 46 years; three children, Angela Schroeder of Omaha, Brian Bangs of Wood River, and Bradley (Jennifer) Bangs of Aurora; six grandchildren: Thaddeus Schneider, Hildi Schneider, Johnathan Bangs, Jacob Bangs, Allison Bangs, and Olivia Bangs; sisters-in-law Mary Lou Emanuel, Koann Hansen, Carol Hansen; brother-in-law, Harry (Darla) Hansen; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends.



Services will be at a later date.



Due to allergies, the family requests no plants or flowers.



Memorials are suggested to the Hamilton County Food Pantry or the Hamilton Community Foundation Band Instrument Fund.