Mark Allen ‘Skip’ Hastings, 78, of Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday evening, March 17, 2015, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin, Minnesota.

He was born Aug. 16, 1936, in Austin, Minnesota, to Ray M. and Doris (Harden) Hastings. He attended Austin High School, and then served in the National Guard from 1957 until his honorable discharge in 1961. On July 1, 1961, he was united in marriage to Jean Marie Peters in the Westby Chapel at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. The couple raised two daughters. Skip and Jean had met on Main Street in Austin and began dating. Skip made his living running the family business, Hastings Shoe Repair in Austin, where he began working at the age of 10. He and Jean worked together in this business every day since 1957. Skip saved many ‘soles’ in his lifetime. A member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, he also belonged to the original male chorus in Austin under the direction of Jack Tedrow, now known as the Northwestern Singers. Skip was proud that his grandchildren have followed his love of music. His hobbies included traveling, music, church involvement, and family activities. He especially loved visiting with people and reminiscing about old times.

Skip is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jean Hastings of Austin; his daughters: Julie Ann (Roger) Schmick, and Tracy Lynn (James) Lunt, both of Austin; six grandchildren: Katlynn Schmick, Sarah Schmick, Hannah Schmick, Jake Lunt, Hayden Lunt, Ellie Lunt; brother-in-law Don Ziemer of Fremont, Nebraska; brother and sister-in-law, Earl (Diana) Peters of Roscoe, Illinois; many nieces, nephews; friends and loyal customers.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Doris Hastings; sisters: Maxine Ziemer, and Betty Falk; brothers: Bert Hastings, Bruce Hastings, and Ray Hastings Jr.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 23, 2015, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, with Pastor Gerald Giese officiating. Flag presentation by American Legion Post 91. Visitation will be held one hour immediately preceding the service at the church. Memorials can be directed to Alzheimer’s Research, Austin High School music or sports programs, or recipient of donor’s choice. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.