Dale A. Workman

Dale A. Workman

Dec. 22, 1919 - Feb. 1, 2014

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Dale A. Workman, age 94, died Feb. 1, 2014, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook, Nebraska.

Dale was born on Dec. 22, 1919, to Roy and Elna (McCartny) Workman in Beatrice, Nebraska, where he grew up and spent most of his life.

On Nov. 2, 1941, he was united in marriage to Winifred Brandt at St. John's Lutheran Church in Beatrice. To that union, one daughter, Barbara, was born.

He served in the United States Army during World War II, spending two years in New Guinea and two years in the Philippines. Upon discharge from the service, he worked at the fire department at Fort Crook, Nebraska, (now Offutt Air Force Base). Later he returned to Beatrice where he continued as a fire fighter for the next 25 years, the last 10 of which he served as Fire Chief for the Beatrice Fire Department.

On Dec. 24, 1950, three days after his 31st birthday, he professed his new-found faith in Jesus Christ and was received into the body of Christ by adult baptism. The church became an important part of his life and remained so until his death.

During his years at Beatrice he was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he taught Sunday School and served on the church council as well as various church committees.

Upon retirement from the Fire Department in Beatrice, he joined the staff at the Martin Luther Home (now Mosaic) where he worked in the Safety and Transportation Department for 17 years. He was called again from retirement to work at the Griffiths-Hovendick Funeral Home also of Beatrice.

Dale was a member of the Salvation Army Board and was an active member of the Sertoma Club in Beatrice. In his younger years he coached little league baseball and enjoyed playing baseball and softball. He also was an avid golfer, bowler, and square dancer.

In 1994, he moved to McCook to be closer to his daughter, Barbara, and his son-in-law, Gary Wiemers.

For the past 20 years, Dale was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in McCook. He enjoyed his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandson and working on projects with his son-in-law as long as he was able. He loved Bison sports and the Huskers.

Survivors include his wife, Winifred, of 72 years; his daughter, Barbara and husband, Gary Wiemers of McCook; five grandchildren, Sara and husband, Jerry Rippen of McCook, Amy and husband, Neal Randel of Beatrice, Matt and wife, Traci Wiemers of McCook, T.J. and wife, Megan Wiemers of McCook, and Tom and wife, Rebecca Wiemers also of McCook as well as 10 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Elna Workman; four brothers, Ralph, Lester, Lloyd and Paul; five sisters, Irene, Ruth Kleman, Pearl Weak, Fern Milke, and Doris Witkovski and one great-grandson, Matthew Wiemers.

Dale's favorite prayer before every meal and all family dinners was, "Give us grateful hearts, Oh God, for the mercies we are about to receive, and make us ever mindful of the needs of others." God answered those heartfelt requests by giving him a life lived in gratitude for all God's blessings and the kindnesses shown him. And he remained mindful of the needs of others by living a life of service to God, his country, his family and his church.

A celebration of his life will be at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014, 11 a.m. with Pastor Brad Brauer officiating. Internment will be at Beatrice Evergreen Cemetery on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014. Visitation will be Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014, from 1 to 8 p.m.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.