Dale Caskey, 93

Dale Caskey was born July 23, 1930, to Johnson and Frances (Finch) Caskey in Venus, NE, 13 miles west of Creighton, NE. He was delivered at home by his grandmother, Lillian Caskey. In 1932, he moved with his folks and older brother, Clarence, north of Valentine, NE. A sister, Betty, joined the family in 1940. Dale was in the 5th grade when his parents bought a small place in southern Rock County. Dale attended rural school District #2 through grade school and attended Rock County High School until December 1945, when he was a sophomore. His dad was ill, and he was needed at home to get things done. He never returned to school for himself, but often rode his 1945 Harley to visit a teacher named Audrey Davis.

In 1946, Dale’s folks moved to Oregon and rented their place to Free and Gladys Davis. Dale stayed, helped Free on the place, and did odd jobs before going to Oregon. A few months later, Dale returned to Nebraska, and within the year, he, Audrey, and her chaperone headed back to Oregon for them to marry. Being only 17, Dale needed his parents’ permission. Audrey’s parents had already given theirs, so they were wed on October 18, 1947 in Stayton, OR. They moved back to Nebraska in the spring of 1948 where Audrey taught school, and Dale helped Free and Gladys. After the winter of 1948, Free and Gladys moved to their home place in the valley. Dale and Audrey set up their home at the original Caskey place and started their family. Three daughters joined them over the next ten years: Connie in 1950, Carol in 1953, and Darcia in 1960. They bought the original ranch from Dale’s parents in 1963 and added to it later. Dale was fond of cedar trees and began planting them in the 1950s for blowout control and windbreaks. He even planted them in a grove, to carry on the family name.

In 1951, Dale wired many houses, and in 1964, he began taking an active role in the REA program and KBR. He was President of REA in the late ‘80s and State Director for 35 years. He served on the Midwest Board for 16 years and was active for over 50 years, retiring from KBR in 2019. Dale was always working to provide for his family and make the community better. In later years, Dale actively supported the Senior Center and loved visiting people at the hospital, swing bed, and long-term care. Anything he could do to share a positive moment with others was important to him.

Dale is survived by his wife, Audrey; three daughters, Connie (Leighton) Wiley of St. Libory, NE, Carol Lowenstein of Garland, TX, and Darcia (Ray) Kovarik of Taylor, NE; sister, Betty Gasseling of Rapid City, SD; two sisters-in-law, Lois Stewart of Valentine, NE and Teena Davis of Colorado Springs, CO; eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Johnson and Frances Caskey; brother, Clarence Caskey; in-laws, Free and Gladys Davis; brothersin- law, Don Davis, Lyle Davis, Lawrence Davis and Ivan Stewart; sistersin law, Pauline Davis and Margaret Davis; and son-in-law, John Lowenstein.

Funeral Services were held Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the Bassett Methodist Church in Bassett, NE officiated by Pastor Jenice Epp. Music was provided by JoAnn Swanson. The Special Music Selections of “Green, Green Grass of Home”, “Silver Wings” and “Far Side Banks of Jordan” were performed by Joe McBride. The eulogy was given by Don Coash. Casketbearers were Scott Wiley, Justin Lowenstein, Tyler Kovarik, Wacey Kovarik, Ethan Kovarik and Jaden Rieken. Honorary Casketbearers were all of Dale’s friends. Interment followed in the Bassett Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials were suggested to the Rock County Hospital, Rock County Senior Center or the donor’s choice in Dale’s name. Hoch Funeral Home of Bassett was in charge of arrangements and condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.