Dr. Dale G. Zikmund

Dr. Dale G. Zikmund, 89, of Kearney passed away surrounded by his family on September 8th, 2026, at Brookstone Gardens. Dale was born January 3, 1937, to George and Murl (Bartlett) Zikmund. He grew up alongside his beloved sister, Susan, on the family farm near Ord, Nebraska, where he developed the strong work ethic, love of community, and devotion to family. Dale graduated from Ord High School in 1954 and was proud throughout his life to be a Chanticleer. While home on leave from the United States Navy, Dale was introduced to Annabell Blincow by his grandfather, Ed, and his girlfriend, Louise. That introduction began the adventure of a lifetime. Dale and Annabell were married on August 9, 1958. The couple was blessed with four sons: Brian in March 1960, Craig in June 1961, Eric in July 1962, and David in October 1964. The couple moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, while raising their four young boys, Dale and Annabell both pursued their education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Dale proudly earned bachelor's and master's degrees in Agricultural Education and a doctorate in Administration, Curriculum, and Instruction. He spent five years as a graduate assistant and one year as an assistant professor in the Agricultural Education Department. All the while, he continued his career in the United States Navy, a commitment that would span 33 years. In 1972, the family of six moved to Kearney, Nebraska, when Dale accepted a position at then-Kearney State College, now the University of Nebraska at Kearney. His career at UNK spanned three decades and included teaching both undergraduate and graduate coursework in Vocational Education. His professional dedication helped establish Nebraska's first Vocational Special Needs program, and he became the first recipient of the National Vocational Association Teacher of the Year Award. Dale's commitment to education and service extended far beyond the classroom. He served nine terms as president of the University of Nebraska at Kearney Education Association and was the first higher education representative on the Nebraska State Education Association Board. Among his many honors were the Pratt Heins Award, Dean's Award, and Faculty Senate Hamster Wheel Award, recognizing his extraordinary commitment to service. Dale and Annabell also shared a love of travel and adventure. Together, they traveled with the Nebraskats! show choir to many parts of the world, including Australia, China, Japan, and Czechoslovakia, creating memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime. Dale was often seen behind the lens of his camera and wearing his famous salmon pink shirt. When Dale retired from UNK in 2002, slowing down was not part of his plan. Service to others and to his community came naturally to him. He became a proud member of the Fort Kearney Chapter of the American Red Cross, serving as a board member and chair of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team. He volunteered at disaster sites in multiple states and continued teaching classes in Shelter Operations and Emergency Vehicle Response, helping ensure communities were prepared with the training and resources they needed. In 2007, Dale was honored with the Kearney Hub Freedom Award in the Medical/Health category for his Red Cross volunteer service. In 2008, he was appointed to the Central Community College Board of Directors. He also remained active with Golden K Kiwanis, the Nebraska State Patrol Motorist Assist program, and Rowe Sanctuary. While Dale's professional accomplishments and community service touched countless lives, his greatest legacy was always his family. Dale was a man of faith and a devoted member of First United Methodist Church. Dale could always be found in his bass boat throwing out a line for that next Master Angler, or in the crowd at basketball games, bowling matches, plays, concerts, and countless other events involving his children and grandchildren. His grand-children and great-grandchildren brought a special smile to Dale's face, the smile that reached the crinkles of his eyes. Through them, his Dale-invented handshake, affectionately known as “The Carp Shake,” will live on as it is now a tradition. Dale leaves behind a legacy of service, education, faith, adventure, and, above all, love. Those left to continue celebrating his life include his sister, Susan Bute; sons Brian; Craig (Jacque); Eric (Mary Ann); and David (Melissa); grandchildren Mitchell (Ava), Natalie (Chris), Aaron (Kassi), Jarod, Tanner, and Colby; and great-grandchildren Lily, Remi, Paul, Zeke, Zeno and another one on the way. Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at First United Methodist Church 4500 Linden Drive in Kearney. Inurnment will follow at Kearney Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Dr. Dale G. Zikmund

January 3, 1937 - September 8, 2026