Dennis Edwin McArdle

Dennis Edwin McArdle, known to his friends and family as Moon, was born on August 29, 1930 on the family farm near Elkhorn, Nebraska to Joseph Clarence (Patrick) and Mabel (Mockelman) McArdle. He grew up in the Waterloo area and graduated from Waterloo High School in 1948. He participated in basketball, track and baseball during his high school years. Dennis served in the 3rd infantry division of the Army from May 1951 – February 1953 and saw action in the Korean War for part of that time. He received a commendation ribbon and medal for meritorious service. On February 12, 1955, Dennis married Lois Andersen of Valley, Nebraska. They were blessed with four children: Tom, Mary, Jim and Jon. Dennis and Lois raised their family in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where they have lived for over 50 years. Much of Dennis’ time was spent attending his children’s school activities, as he had a child in school for 28 consecutive years, although he did enjoy attending some of the local polka dances. The family also enjoyed many car trips throughout Nebraska and the surrounding states. Dennis worked as a journeyman electrician for 34 years, completing his apprenticeship training in 1958. Oftentimes, his work took him out of state during the week. He spent his last 10 years working at the Schering Plough facility near Elkhorn, retiring in 1992. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #22 and he recently received his 55 year membership pin. He looked forward to the retiree meetings each month. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 362 in Elkhorn, and he served as commander of the post in 1966. He could always be counted on to assist in placing American flags in the local cemeteries for Memorial Day, including this past year. He also provided 50 years of service as a Master Mason at Waterloo lodge #102. During his retirement years, he and Lois took many road trips, traveling as far as Virginia and North Carolina. They also bought a camper and took some shorter trips around the state, oftentimes attending various town celebrations and country music festivals. Dennis and Lois attended many of their grandchildren’s activities, including sporting events, music programs, and dance recitals, and they were always there to babysit when needed. He enjoyed meeting with the other local retirees for early morning coffee at various Elkhorn establishments. He and his brother Darrell attended many of the Korean War veteran reunions in Nebraska together. Dennis was a man of few words but his family always knew the depth of his love by the twinkle in his blue eyes. He was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather. Dennis passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 83 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Meryle, Marian, Marialice and abel Ann. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lois, and their children, Tom (Lynette) McArdle of Lincoln; Mary McArdle of Omaha; Jim (Tracie) McArdle of Gretna; and Jon (Susan) McArdle of Omaha. Survivors also include 7 grandchildren, Sara, Matthew, Caitlin, Halie, Ryan, Maia and Zach McArdle and one brother, Darrell “Lefty” McArdle of Mustang, Oklahoma. Dennis’ final resting place will be in the new veteran’s cemetery in Sarpy County, Nebraska. The family is using a yellow rose to commemorate his life because of his love of the song “The Yellow Rose of Texas”.

Dennis Edwin McArdle

August 29, 1930 - January 28, 2014