Ira Dale Elder, age 88 of Aurora, NE formerly of Ogallala passed away Friday, September 27, 2024, at Memorial Care Center in Aurora, NE.
Ira Dale Elder was born August 14, 1936, to Ira and Dorothy (Keefer) Elder in Stuart, NE. He was baptized on March 28, 1937, in Atkinson, NE. At the age of five, his family moved to Ogallala, NE. where he attended school and graduated from Ogallala High School in 1955.
Dale was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Darlene Gordon on July 17, 1956, at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Ogallala. In 1958 a son, Barry Dale, was born to them.
Dale served with the military from April 30, 1956, to April 29, 1959, in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia where he taught liquid oxygen school. After discharge, Dale and his family moved back to Nebraska. Dale worked for Rolfsmeier Dairy in Seward, NE. He was confirmed and became a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church on Feb. 26, 1963. A daughter Debra Jean was born in 1962 and a daughter Cheri Lynn was born in 1963.
In 1973 Dale and his family moved to Aurora, NE where he worked for Wortman Motors and later for Aurora Coop Elevator where he retired in 2004.
Camping and fishing with their children and grandchildren and the trips they took every year were his enjoyment, yard work and flowers were also an enjoyable part of his life. Music was always a part of his life and he played keyboard and guitar. Dale and Darlene loved to attend community camping events around Nebraska where they would perform gospel and county music together.
On July 17, 2006, Dale and Darlene celebrated their 50th anniversary.
Preceding Dale in death is his loving wife, Darlene; son Barry Elder; two sisters Lois Jean (Mrs. Rex) Peterson and Helen (Mrs. Willis) Peterson.
Left to cherish his memory include his two daughters, Debra and husband Wayne Wehmeier of Hampton, NE., and Cheri and husband Matthew Keyes of Omaha, NE; Grandchildren, JariAnn Dunekacke (Tom), Jordan Wehmeier, Jacob and Rachel Keyes and Katherine Elder. Great grandchildren Parker Dale Dunekacke and Dylan Dunekacke
Dale also has many nephews, nieces, and friends who will miss him.
A funeral service will be Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at St John's Lutheran Church of Ogallala, NE at 10:30 A.M. (MT) with Rev. Albert Bader officiating.
Internment will be in the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery.
A memorial has been established to The Memorial Care Center, Entertainment Fund in Aurora, NE. and may be mailed to: Memorial Care Center/Entertainment Fund: 1423 7th St, Aurora, NE 68818
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Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
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