Dale Eugene Nielson

Dale E. Nielson, 87, of Chapman, NE died on Friday, November 1, 2024, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island, NE. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Grand Island with Pastor Steven Peeler officiating. Burial will follow in the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5 to 7 P.M. at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Messiah Lutheran Church and the Elks National Foundation. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, online condolences may be left at www.apfelfuneralhome.com. 

Dale was born on February 9, 1937, at Alliance, NE to Sherman and Mary (Johnson) Nielson. He grew up in Chapman, NE where he attended grade school in a one room schoolhouse at the end of his parent’s driveway. Dale then graduated from Central City High School in 1955. After high school he served in the Nebraska National Guard for nine years as a Communications Chief and was employed by AT&T from 1956 to 1976 as a Central Office Equipment man. 

On March 9, 1958, Dale was united in marriage to Levada Svitak in Central City, NE. After which the couple lived in Grand Island for a short time and then moved to Chapman where they called home. He then farmed full-time for many years and lived out his dream by doing so. 

He was initiated into Grand Island, NE Elks Lodge #604 on September 15, 1965, making him a 60-year member. He progressed through the chairs to become Exalted Ruler in 1992, all the way up to State President in 2003, and served at the national level on the Grand Lodge Activities Committee. Dale served on the Eagle Scout Committee where he had the honor of presenting awards to three of his grandsons. He loved his red, white, and blue, and had the honor of being the VAVS Representative for the Grand Island VA Hospital. 

Dale and Levada had the honor of spreading Christmas cheer throughout their community as Mr. and Mrs. Claus for many years. Dale was a member of the Real Bearded Santas, Orange County, CA Chapter as well as the International Order of Real Bearded Santas. He also held memberships with the Messiah Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 6, Nebraska Farmers Union, the Nebraska Christmas Tree Growers Association as a charter member, and the FFA Alumni. 

He is survived by his wife, Levada Nielson; sons: Keith (Roxie) Nielson, James (Sheri) Nielson, Neal (April) Nielson, Dale S. (Lisa) Nielson, Steven (significant other, Cheryl) Nielson, David (Carla) Nielson, Deane (Rhonda) Nielson, and Ronald (Jody) Nielson; 24 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two nephews; two nieces; and many others who loved him greatly. 

Dale is preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Paul and John Nielson; sister, Mildred Miller; nephew, Marvin Nielson; niece, Marlene Miller.