Left his beloved Nebraska for his external home on February 21, 2025 after a year of declining health.
Dale was born June 21, 1929 on the family farm to Bill and Alma Heitshusen. He was a proud graduate of Uehling Public School, class of 1946, where he enjoyed playing basketball for the Bobcats and Baseball for the Town of Uehling. After high school, Dale enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country during the Korean War. He was enlisted from 1950 to 1953. During his time in the Air Force he met and married the love of his life, Lila Jean, on August 25, 1951. Following his service, Dale returned home to help his parents on the family farm, where he would spend over 50 years farming, raising cattle and hogs.
Dale was deeply involved in his community. He served on the Uehling School Board, was a member of the American Legion, Uehling Volunteer Fire Department and was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Uehling. He enjoyed playing pinochle with his card club, and he spent many hours on the field playing shortstop for the Hillside Diary softball team. He was a HAM Radio operator enthusiast and KQTPN were his call letters. He was also an avid traveler, cherishing the opportunity to explore new places. In fact, the only state Dale wasn't able to see was Alaska.
Dale is survived by his son, Gary (wife Holly) Heitshusen of rural Oakland, daughter Kay (husband Ron) Lewis of Morganton, North Carolina and son, Galen (wife Chris) Heitshusen of rural Oakland, grandson Justin (wife Celeste) Brewer and their daughter Kaila of Hawaii; Jeremy Brewer; Gena (husband Randy) Popken and their children Haylee, Bryce, and Elle of West Point; Christie Eaton and her children Gabriel and Greysen Heitshusen of Uehling; Garret Heitshusen of California; and Estee (husband Cory) Hodges and their children Della and Ilah of Uehling.
Dale was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lila Jean; parents Bill and Alma; infant twin sisters Dorothy and Doris Heitshusen. Dale's legacy of love, service and dedication to family, faith and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
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Visitation will be Thursday, March 6, 2025 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Uehling from 3pm to 7pm with family present from 5-7pm. Celebration of Dale's life is Friday, March 7th, 10am, also at. St. Paul's with the lunch to follow in the Uehling Auditorium. Burial will be in Memorial Cemetery in Fremont. Memorials to Uehling Fire and Rescue and the Uehling Auditorium. The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful care given by the St. Croix Hospice Care in Fremont. Ludvigsen's Hooper Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.
online guestbook at www.hooper-scribner.com
Condolences(8)
Nancy Furstenau Boyles
Fremont, NE Friday, March 7, 2025 To Dale's family, I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a nice man.RIP and soar with the AngelsDean & Marian Barjenbruch
LINCOLN, NE Monday, March 3, 2025 So sorry for your loss!! You had a wonderful grandpa for your time with him!!Julie Uehling Popken
Ames, IA Sunday, March 2, 2025 I will remember Dale as a role model in the church at St. Paul's. He always had a friendly smile and greeting. Wishing you comfort and peace as you grieve this loss and celebrate a life well-lived. JulieCathi Koso
Falls City, NE Saturday, March 1, 2025 Blessings for you and your family. Dale was a funny, caring, and wonderful human being. He will be greatly missed.Theresa Reid
Jacksonville, NC Saturday, March 1, 2025 Kay, Ron and family , In this time of sorrow, may you find comfort in the loving memories of your Dad. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Theresa and Wesley ReidGlenda Long (Hasebroock)
Omaha, NE Saturday, March 1, 2025 Deepest sympathy to Dale's family. I grew up on a farm just west of their farm. May God's peace and love be with all of you during this difficult time. Glenda Long(Hasebroock) & Oral Long.Jenna walraven
Fremont, NE Monday, February 24, 2025 Rip Dale u will be missed but never forgotten I grew up with people in ur family and u were a great person. Fly high with the angels. Thoughts and prayers to the family so sorry for ur loss.Melissa Nickens-Harris
Fremont, NE Saturday, February 22, 2025 Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time..so very sorry for your loss..Melissa Nickens-Harris
Ruth and Kevin Nickens