Dale Keith Laughlin

Dale Keith Laughlin was born on August 26, 1923 in Elm Creek, Nebraska to Herbert and Eleanor (Johnson) Laughlin. He grew up in Elm Creek and Strahan, Iowa where he graduated from High School in 1941. As a young boy, Dale spent much of his free time helping on the family farm. Dale served his country in the United States Air Force from January of 1942 to September of 1945, leaving the service as a master sergeant. Dale married Dorothy Maupin on January 4, 1945 at the courthouse in Omaha, Nebraska and to this union six children were born: Roberta, Larry, Betty, Eleanor, Wayne and Greg. Dale and Dorothy raised their family in Strahan, Iowa and Valley, Nebraska. Dorothy passed away on September 21, 1994. Dale married Ruth Nelson on June 3, 1995 in Valley. Dale and Ruth moved to Sioux City, Iowa, where Dale stayed until Ruth’s death in May of 2010, when he moved back to Fremont, Nebraska. Dale worked as a truck driver for Hunt Transfer, Hartford Sand and Gravel and Redi-Mix before working at Valmont Industries in various capacities. After moving to Sioux City, he worked part-time at Key Staffing Employment Agency, Sunshine Foods, Sioux City Airport as a security guard and as a janitor for the local V.F.W. He worked with model trains, cars and planes. Dale enjoyed watching sports on television, woodworking and spending time with his family. He was an active member in the Baptist-Presbyterian Church in Valley, Trinity Baptist Church in Sioux City and the American Legion and VFW in Valley. Dale’s favorite time was the 4th of July. When the children were younger the family would go to a county fair for the day and stay for the massive fireworks display in the evening. In later years, the Laughlin family would gather on their own, still with a huge fireworks show. Dale passed away on Monday, September 24, 2012 at the Select Specialty Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 89 years and 25 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Eleanor and wives’ Dorothy and Ruth. Dale is survived by his children Roberta Cody of Valley, Nebraska, Larry and Conchita of Valley, Betty Laughlin of Valley, Eleanor Shurtleff of Fremont, Nebraska, Wayne of Valley and Greg of Lincoln, Nebraska. 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Brother Donald Laughlin of New Mexico.

Dale Keith Laughlin

August 26, 1923 - September 24, 2012