He served in the United States Army during the World War II years of 1941, to 1945. He served in the 76th Division, 776th Ordnance Battalion. He entered the war overseas at the Battle of the Bulge and continued through to Berlin. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star, and served under General George Patton.
Dale was married on November 18, 1945 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Hooper to Wilma Kroeger. On April 14, 1946, he was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont by Rev. Victor Hoffman.
Early in his working years, Dale worked for OP Skaggs, then Nelson Auto Sales. He was employed by Diers Motor Company for 25 years, then went to work in Omaha for Thorndyke Motor Co. in 1963. Later in 1963, he opened Sawtelle Motor Co. in Fremont and operated that until 1989. From 1990 until April of 2002, Dale worked for Fremont Office Equipment.
Dale was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont, having served as the President of that congregation as well as serving in various other offices there. He was also a member of the Lutheran Laymen's League. And he had been a member of the Fremont Optimist Club and the Golden K Kiwanis Club.
He was preceded in death by his wife Wilma in October of 2007. He was also preceded by his parents Elmer and Izetta, a grandson Paul Allen Emken, 4 brothers (Ervin, Julius, Rudy, and Clare) and a sister Lila Davidson.
Survivors: daughter - Barbara and husband Allen Emken of Fremont
son - Allen and wife Joan Sawtelle of Fremont
5 granddaughters
11 great grandchildren
sister - Donnabelle Bratton of California
The funeral service will be 10:30 AM Wednesday (Febr. 10th, 2010) at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Donald Levenhagen officiating. The committal will follow in Memorial Cemetery. Military Honors will be rendered by the Fremont Honor Guard of American Legion Post 20 and VFW Post 854. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church.
Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary will be on Tuesday (Febr. 9th) from 2 to 8 PM, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 PM. Visitation continues Wednesday morning at the church for an hour before the service.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(10)
DEBBIE BROOKS
FREMONT, NE Thursday, February 11, 2010 SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR DADS PASSING. YOU ARE ALL IN MY MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. TAKE CARE.Shane & Christina Peters (Sawtelle)
Chanute, KS Wednesday, February 10, 2010 We're sorry to hear about Uncle Dale's passing and wish we could have made it back for the service. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. His warm smile l will always remember. Love you all! ChristinaCliff and Joyce Pasold
Fremont, NE Tuesday, February 9, 2010 We extend our deepest sympathy. May you find comfort and peace in God's strength.Tyler and Katrina Silberstein
Citrus Heights, Ca Monday, February 8, 2010 Sorry to hear of your loss. Dale will live on in our memories out here in California with our family as a great Uncle, and the brother of my grandmother and and Uncle in our family tree. Please accept my condolences, I too know that he is in a better place. -Tyler.Susan Davidson
Pollock Pines, CA Monday, February 8, 2010 I'm sorry to hear about Uncle Dale. My mom, Lila, was very fond of him and spoke of him often. My son Tyler also has fond memories of when they came to visit him and your mother. My best wishes and sympathies to you both as well as your kids and grandchildren. Love, Susan DavidsonDennis & Sandy Sievers
Columbia, MO Monday, February 8, 2010 Barb and Allen, Sorry to hear of your father's passing but we know that he is in a much better place. May the peace of Jesus comfort you in this time.Donna Sawtelle Bratton
concord, ca Monday, February 8, 2010 Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer. To: Barbara And The Sawtelle Family You Have My Deepest Sympathy. Donna Sawtelle BrattonBill Richardson
El Dorado Hills, CA Monday, February 8, 2010 Barb, I just learned of your father's passing. I do trust you are able to view this, and know that I send my sincerest sympathies to you and your family. It will be almost 17 and 20 years that my mother and father passed, respectively. I think of Fremont so often and all the great times we had growing up together. I hope you were able to attend this past class reunion, as I was unable due to travel commitments. Best regards, Bill RichardsonJerry and Jan Camp
Norfolk, Ne Tuesday, February 9, 2010 We just wanted to offer our sincerest regrets in the passing of your father. He had the most amazing smile and spread his warmth wherever he went. I always enjoyed passing time with him and he would share his worries for his children with me as well as his pride. He loved you all so much.Richard Davidson
Fair Oaks, CA Tuesday, February 9, 2010 We all owe a debt that we can never repay to the WWII veterans. They literally saved the world. I'm sure that heaven has a special place for Uncle Dale.