Dale Lee Dolezal

Dale Lee Dolezal, born in the small KS town of Belleville, on November 14, 1942, left this world from his home in Kearney, NE, on November 10, 2024, a mere four days shy of his 82nd birthday. If there was one word to encompass Dale's essence, it would be “kind”. Kind in spirit, kind in deed, and continually kind in heart, he was the quiet force that held his family together. Growing up in the heart of Kansas with his mother Velma, Dale learned early on the value of hard work and a gentle hand. Dale's father, Harold, was overseas fighting for our country the first 3 years of his life. Upon Harold's return from WWII, the family spent a lot of time on the family farm. It was there Dale was able to explore the outdoors and wildlife. He became a master of trapping, hunting, and fishing at a very young age continuing well into his adult life. Another skill Dale picked up by tagging along with his Dad to the town pool hall in Belleville, KS, was the game of pool. Most who knew Dale, were well aware he was hard to beat. Dale would tell stories of paying for his groceries by beating his opponents down at the bar in Downs, KS. Dale could master just about anything he set his mind to. Woodworking became one of his favorite hobbies later in his life. He furnished his entire house with handmade furniture. If you were lucky enough, he may have created a piece of furniture for you as well. Dale graduated with the class of 1960 at Scandia High School, Scandia KS. Upon completion of high school, he traveled to Ohio to complete a meat cutting trade school. From there, he joined the Griffith Company, which would later become Pork Packers, in Downs, KS. As a loyal foreman of Pork Packers, Dale was saddened when the plant closed down and he finished his professional career assembling farm implements with Sunflower Mfg in Cawker City, KS. Married on October 10, 1965, to the beautiful Nancy Wilkinson, Dale's life was a testament to the joy and trials of partnership. Though Nancy's light was extinguished before his own, her spirit carried forward through the warmth of their home and the richness of memories shared with their children. Dale Jr, Christopher, and Haley Jo. Left to cherish Dale's memory are his children Dale Lee, Jr. (Dawn) of Downs, KS, Chris (Chandis) of Coats, KS, and Haley Dannenberg (Justin) of Kearney, NE. Grandchildren, Rylee (Dolezal) Swecker (Will) of Charleston, SC, Brenna Dolezal and Cooper Dolezal of Pratt, KS, Bonus Grandchildren Kaden Dannenberg of Kearney, NE, Gracie Divine of Phoenix AZ, Jessica (Eddy) Bradfield of Leavenworth KS, Patrick (Erica) McGee of Leona Valley, CA, Shaina (Damian) Wood of Holdrege, NE, Aaron Rowen of Lincoln, NE, Josiah Littrell of Hays, KS, and Matthias Hunter of Hays, KS. Sisters Cheryl (Dolezal) Diederich (John) of Greenleaf, KS and Judy (Dolezal) Kappel (George) of Abilene, KS, as well as many nieces and nephews. Dale was preceded in death by his loving wife, Nancy, in 2017 and his parents Velma and Harold.

Dale Lee Dolezal

November 14, 1942 - November 10, 2024