GERING – In December 1959, Donald G. and Erma I. (Krause) Hurst received a letter from Omaha Children’s Home advising them that they had an infant boy, born June 12, 1959, who would like to meet them for adoption consideration. On December 12, 1959, that adoption became final and Timothy Donald Hurst found his beloved parents.
Tim spent his early childhood years with his parents in Grand Island, Nebraska. The family later moved to Topeka, Kansas, where they lived while their new home at Lake Perry, Kansas was being constructed at Lake Ridge Estates. Tim attended school in Meridan, Kansas, through graduation in 1977 from Jefferson West High School. Tim participated in basketball, alongside his best friend & “chosen brother,” Matt Hothan and was crowned King of Courts for homecoming his senior year.
Upon graduation from high school, Tim attended Hastings Community College where he met another “chosen brother,” Bob Krebsbach. He obtained an associate’s degree in broadcasting from Hastings Community College. He started working for Nebraska Rural Radio and moved to Scottsbluff, in 1981 to work for sister station KNEB, as a DJ and assistant sports announcer.
In January 1982, Tim was introduced by mutual friends to Kim Laessle. By April, after asking four times, he had talked her into marrying him and on November 27, 1982, it became official. Three years later, on March 6, 1986, Tim became the very proud father to his pride and joy, Kenzy Michelle.
Tim spent the next 42 years fluctuating between working radio and working sports retail. In 1986, he went to work for Clemens Sports Racquet in Scottsbluff while continuing to announce basketball game’s part time for KGOS radio in Torrington. He received many broadcasting awards, including Wyoming Broadcasting Association awards for 1st place play-by-play in 2012 and 2nd place play-by-play in 2024.
In 2001, Tim was given the opportunity to purchase The Sports Racquet and moved the business from East Overland in Scottsbluff to Broadway. Tim loved interacting with all his customers. He never forgot a face, a name, or a shoe size and always knew exactly which shoe was best suited. His wife covered as second string so he could continue to announce Torrington Trailblazer basketball for KGOS. He built strong friendships with all the kids he announced as well as their families and always considered Torrington his second home. He also had a very strong relationship with his KGOS family, especially another “chosen brother,” Grant Kath.
Tim had a voice recognized throughout Eastern Wyoming and Western Nebraska. A voice that, when heard in an opposite corner of any store or gymnasium you might be in, would leave you with no doubt who it belonged to. A voice that will be greatly missed by not only his family but by those in many communities.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Erma Hurst and in-laws, Jim and Geri Laessle. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kim (Laessle) Hurst; daughter and son-in-law, Kenzy & Moises Hernandez; much loved grandchildren, Cooper Feltes, Viviana Hernandez, Anabel Hernandez & Carson Hernandez. Brother-In-law, Dana Laessle; sisters-in law, Jana (Brad) Bode, Sheryl (Steve) Harvey, Sandy Kirkland, and Jean Ann (Dan) Watermeier, step mother-in-law, Jeanne Laessle (Mimi), as well as many nieces, nephews and great-nieces & nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his “chosen” brothers, Matt (Halene) Hothan, Bob Krebsbach, and Grant (Stephanie) Kath.
At Tim’s request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday morning at 10 a.m., December 21 at The Weborg 21 Centre located at 2625 10th Street, Gering with Todd Rasnic officiating. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flower, memorials in Tim’s honor may be made in care of his family to be designated at a later time. Online condolences may be made by viewing Tim’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements. In keeping with a “Tim vibe” please feel free to dress as desired – accenting KU Jayhawk or Torrington Trailblazer attire & Adidas shoes.
Tim never met a stranger who didn’t become a friend. Rock Chalk Jayhawk! and Go Blazers!
