Irving “Irv” Paul Hiatt, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, in North Platte, Nebraska, at the age of 90.
Born on June 10, 1935, to Gilbert and Ida Hiatt in Hastings, NE, Irv grew up as the oldest of twelve children. From a young age, he carried a strong work ethic and a knack for building, a competitive drive came from playing minor league baseball for the Union Pacific Freighters in 1953, which would become the foundation of his lifelong career. Through Hiatt Construction, Irv built houses, developed land, and contributed countless projects that shaped and bettered his community. He had a gift for taking an idea on paper and turning it into something real, and he was never without a project, a plan, or a vision.
Together, Irv and wife, Vivian raised five children: Irving F. (Renae), Vernon, Gilbert (Cathy), Laura (Lyle Miller), and Judy (Tim Nowak). Their home was a place where everyone was welcome. Friends and family gathered for meals, ball games, swims in the family pool, and holidays filled with laughter. To many, Irv wasn’t just Irving—he was “Pops,” a title that carried with it warmth, humor, and an open door.
Irv was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Virgil, Darrel & Delbert Hiatt; his sister, Virginia (Hiatt) Mapes; his wife, Vivian (Cooper) Hiatt; and his son, Gilbert Ray Hiatt.
Pops loved to tell stories, often more than once, and to cheer on his children, grandchildren & great grandchildren in sporting events. He was an avid Nebraska sports fan and outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, flying his own airplane, and sharing the traditions of the land. With Vivian, he created a rich life full of friendships, bowling leagues, bunko nights, family baseball games, and many dinners out with friends at favorite local spots like the North Platte Airport Café or Merrick’s.
Above all, Irv loved his family. He was proud to be the patriarch of a large family tree, including 14 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren, 2 fosters and special friend, Kay McClellen. His greatest joy was seeing his family work hard, succeed, and carry on the values he instilled.
Irv’s smile and laughter lit up every room he entered, and his presence made ordinary days feel extraordinary. He will be remembered as a man of hard work, deep love, and unwavering pride in his family. His rest is well-earned, and his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.
Services will be held at Parkview Community Church on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 2 PM with Pastor James Trippett as officiant. Burial will follow at North Platte City Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 9 AM to 7 PM with family present to greet friends from 5 PM to 7 PM at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations be made to the family for the purchase of bench in Irv's memory to be placed at Hershey High School. Expressions of sympathy can be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
His family, friends, and community will miss him dearly but find comfort in knowing we were blessed to share life with “such a handsome devil” for as long as we did.