Dennis Dau

Dennis D. Dau was born June 1, 1944 in Omaha, Nebraska. He was the youngest of three children born to Elmer and Charlotte (Boonstra). Older siblings Barbara and Allen, along with Denny, attended country school near Bennington before moving to Elkhorn when Denny was in third grade. In high school, he served as Jr. Class President, Letterman’s Club President, Cornhusker Boys’ State, and StuCouncil. Athletically, Denny found fun and success. In track and field, he qualified for the State Track Meet three years and was a STATE CHAMPION in the 880 yard run. With Gene Kruger as his coach, Denny was a four-year starter in basketball and senior year the team finished with a 24-2 record, the fewest losses for any Elkhorn boys’ basketball team in school history. He was selected to the ALL- STATE Basketball Team. His baseball team qualified for State Tournament play. In football, Denny and the Antlers finished with the best eight-man football record in Elkhorn school history. A highlight came in his final game against an undefeated team in a playoff game when Denny scored 8 running touchdowns. He was again an ALL- STATE honors choice. The World-Herald nominated Denny for Nebraska High School Athlete of the Year. Denny is the only athlete in school history at Elkhorn to be selected to ALL-STATE in football, ALL-STATE in basketball and was a STATE Champion in track. Following high school, Denny graduated from Midland Lutheran College in Fremont with a Business Administration degree. He was a four-year letter winner, participating in basketball, cross country, and track. After his senior year, Denny was awarded the Midland College “Babe Petrow Award” given to the “Outstanding All-Around Student Athlete”. Denny was nominated also for the Omaha World Herald “College Athlete of the Year.” He is in Midland’s Athletic Hall of Fame and is a member of the Warrior Baton Club at Midland Lutheran College. After Denny’s stroke, he received the “Madonna Hospital Spirit Award” for his hard work and his relentless, never-ending, competitive spirit. Denny met Carmen, the love of his life, in Sunday School at Bethany Lutheran when they were three years old. They were baptized and confirmed together, and married September 4, 1965. Upon college graduation, Denny and his family settled in Elkhorn where he continued to stay active in sports and with the community. Carmen (Ohm) is also a 1962 EHS and Midland graduate. They have four adult children who all graduated from EHS, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Their family consists of Jill & Jeff Richmond, Jessie & Jacob; Todd & Stacie Dau, Payton (fiance Ed Dozler) & Ashlyn; Rebecca & Clay Sheets, Taylor & Justin & son Ridge Hansen, Maleah, Aubrynn & Taryn; and Preston & Sheena Dau, Easton & Ava. They continue to support all sports at all levels and enjoy their grandchildren's participation in many sports as well. The Daus are members of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Valley, NE where they participate actively. Denny is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Charlotte Dau, and his brother Allen. Denny was such a kind, gentle man, and a friend to all. He will now have a front row seat to watch all who loved and cared for him. He loved his grandchildren and loved being a part of their lives. His greatest AWARD and REWARD… was his family. Celebration of life service 10:30 AM Wednesday, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Valley, NE. Inurnment Prospect Hill Cemetery, Elkhorn. Visitation Tuesday 4-8 PM with family receiving friends from 6-8 PM at the funeral home in Elkhorn. Memorials to the family for later designation.

Dennis Dau

June 1, 1944 - November 18, 2022