He worked for the railroad for a time, then in December of 1942 he joined the United States Air Force, serving until February of 1946. Dale served on the island of Tinnia and helped load the atomic bomb on the Enola Gay,
though he wasn't aware at the time that it was the atomic bomb. He became aware of that fact while listening to the radio in the mess hall. The Enola Gay was never used again after it returned to the island.
When he returned to Fremont following his military service he worked for the Dept. of Utilities as a line foreman. In 1956, Dale and co-owner Ted Price founded P & H Electric in Fremont. Dale retired from there when he was 70 years of age.
Dale was community minded, and very active in the First United Methodist Church, for 50 years, He had served on various committees and belonged to the Methodist Men. Through his church he was involved with the Boy Scouts Troop 103. He had been a Cub Master, and Scout Master. He was a member of the Golden Rod District, serving on various committees. Ten of his scouts became Eagle Scouts, and Dale had served on the Eagle Board of Review. He was also the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award at the district level for 25 years of service to scouting. He was a member of the Merit Badge Council, and Order of the Arrow.
He was also a Life Member of the Clarmar School PTA, having served two terms as president. He was a member of the Izaak Walton League, and he was a member of the Arthur Peter's Garden Club, serving as the coordinator of the city gardens for many years. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, canoeing, hunting, and camping.
On November 14, 1954, Dale was married in Fremont in the First United Methodist Church to Marcella 'Marcie' Sexton. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and the center of his life was always his family.
Survivors: wife - Marcella 'Marcie'
daughter - Pam and husband Bill Coday of Fremont
3 sons - Jeff and wife Tanya Hansen of Omaha
Rick and wife Deb Hansen, Omaha
Kirk and wife Paula Hansen, Omaha
8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren
sister - Maxine Callaway of Fremont
He was preceded in death by 2 sisters and 3 brothers
The funeral service will be 10 AM Saturday (October 31st) in the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Greg Hall officiating. The committal will follow in Memorial Cemetery with Military Honors by the Fremont Honor Guard of American Legion Post 20 and VFW Post 854. Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church and to the Boy Scouts Troop 103 of the First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be at the Ludvigsen Mortuary, Friday, from 2 to 8 PM, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 PM.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(7)
The Hansen Family
, Saturday, October 31, 2009 We were deeply touched by your sympathy notes for Dale and our family. Dale was a remarkabable person and he will be sorely missed by family and friends. Thank you for honoring him and capturing his spirit with such heartfelt words and for sharing your pleasant memories. With Warmest Regards, The Hansen FamilyChuck and Kathy Burney and family
Elkhorn, NE Friday, October 30, 2009 Jeff, Tanya, Kirk and family, We are saddened to hear of the loss of Dale. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. I know that Dale passed his love of golf on to his family, and you will think of him every time you are on a course! Our deepest sympathies!Til & Lil Jurgens
Fremont, NE Thursday, October 29, 2009 A gentelmanBarb and Mark Svec
West Point, NE Wednesday, October 28, 2009 Hansen family: So sorry to hear of Dale's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Mark and Barb SvecKathy Phillips
Omaha, Ne Friday, October 30, 2009 Kirk, Paula and Hansen family, So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing, Kirk. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We will pray for comfort, strength and peace for your family now and in the days ahead. Bob and Kathy Phillips and familyJerry Dempsey
Omaha, NE Thursday, October 29, 2009 To Kirk and Paula and the Hansen Family, Kirk, we are very sorry to learn of your dad's death. Best wishes to you and your entire family at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jeannie and Jerry Dempsey and the girlsDorothy Swanson
Fremont, NE Thursday, October 29, 2009 `What a fun time my husband Ralph and I used to have with Dale in our younger years. Ralph and Dale worked together at the Department of Utilities, and also had fun outside of work. Sorry for your loss. My husband, Ralph, passed away over a year ago. Pam, my son Jack says Hi and sorry about the loss of your father. Dorothy Swanson and family