Dale Nearhood, (1920 - 2014) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Husband, Father, Friend to Many, and a Legacy of Inspiration.

93 years old
Born on May 29, 1920
Passed away on January 29, 2014

Dale R Nearhood, 93, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2014, in Scottsdale, AZ. Dale was born in Lincoln, NE and graduated from Plattsmouth High School, Plattsmouth, NE. Dale was a WWII Army veteran, heroically serving our country in combat in the European Theater from Normandy to the Rhine River, witnessing the liberation of France and surrender of Germany. He was wounded twice and awarded two Purple Hearts.

After the war he returned to Lincoln. In 1946, he married Viola Nielsen. They were happily married for 62 years. Dale worked the majority of his life for the HJ Heinz Co. In 1995 Dale and Viola moved to Scottsdale, AZ to be closer to their children and grandchildren. His enjoyment came from being with his family, many friends and watching Nebraska football games.

Dale is survived by his 3 children, Jim (Lisa), Janet (Stuart Epstein) and Richard (Corinne) Nearhood, and two grandchildren, Nicole and Nate Nearhood all of Scottsdale, AZ. Dale was predeceased in death by his dear wife, Viola, in 2009 with whom he now shares eternal love.

The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the University of Nebraska Foundation for the Nearhood Family Scholarship Fund, 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite 300, Lincoln, NE 68508.

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January 29, 2021

Happy Dale Day!!! And hello to Janet, Rich and Jim. It was great looking through the gallery - soooo many good memories of living next door to you all on Lake street. Dale was such a great neighbor. Always helping out with anything. My parents adored him. The ice rink in the backyard made me look forward to winter! What fun we had. The door to the kitchen was always unlocked and it felt like my second home. I don't have any pics of Dale or Vi to contribute but I have lots of Janet. Would love to reconnect sometime. Its been way too long. We are fine up here in Buffalo. Hope all is well and you are all healthy. Warm wishes and no platitudes. Thinking of you!

January 29, 2017

Thinking of Dale's family, and wishing them them comfort, joy, and peace of mind. Dale left a wonderful legacy through his life and in his children

January 30, 2015

Thank you for sharing your military story with us, Dale. Yours was a life well-lived.

November 24, 2014

Jim, Janet, and Rich, Got your phone call Janet, and then your note about Dale's passing in February and for some reason could not access the web site, think it was my computer. Dale called my wife, his niece Karen nearly every week, and after she passed in January of 2013 he called me and was a great comfort to me. He always asked about our weather, always was concerned about us and always thanked us for our time. He and Vi were wonderful when we came to AZ for a short visit. Miss his phone calls and stories about the dog and his trips to the store. You were very lucky to have a Dad who was so grounded and kind to everyone, a great role model for all who knew him! XO Bill

June 2, 2014

Uncle Dale, I miss your voice over the phone. I love looking at your pictures of you, dad and Uncle Clint. Thank you Candy

May 29, 2014

Happy Birthday Dale - I think of you every day when I water your plants. I think of your smile - that fabulous smile!!! Miss You

March 14, 2014

Dale, I remember a many of Sundays that we would all get together..go out on the west side of the house and shoot the pellet gun so many years ago. On week-ends you and Vi would come for a visit and bring Aunt Evelyn (and the dog Fluffy). Thanks for being there for me and Tom when your brother Clinton died.
I will miss your weekly phone calls.
Helen Hough Nearhood Wilson

March 14, 2014

Dale, you have been in my life since the day I was born. You have always treated me like I was your real niece. So glad that my Mother (Helen Hough Nearhood Wilson) and I got to come and visit your family several years go. I will miss our conversations on the phone about OU football!! Love and miss you

March 4, 2014

Jim, Janet and Richard: It was with great sadness that I read your note about Dale's passing. As many others on this site, I too loved his occasional (and brief) phone calls. He always sounded so happy and healthy, and I know he loved being so close to all of you. I loved hearing from him - he always mentioned something about my parents (Hazel and Stu Sedlak.) Your dad knew it comforted me to hear his kind words, and I will always be grateful. Hugs to all of you - hold tight to your wonderful memories of an exceptional man.

March 2, 2014

Dear Richard, Jim and Janet, My mother, Mary, and I were very sorry to here about your father's passing. Thank you for the kind note you sent my mother. She enjoyed his phone calls and their conversations always brightened her day. She'll miss hearing from him. I'll remember him as a warm, friendly person, always wearing a smile.

February 22, 2014

Uncle Dale, thank-you very much for the phone calls through the years,
I will miss your voice. You are now with your wife,parents and brothers.
May God Bless all of your family in Scottsdale.
Your niece: Candace Nearhood Stafford

February 21, 2014

Dale was a good man. Although he never like talking much about his time in the war, from time to time he would open up a bit and tell us stories of his experiences which were priceless. I know he and Vi thought their greatest accomplishments were their children, and all you have to do is look at Jim, Janet and Richard to see what great people Dale and Vi were. You are together now... rest in peace.

February 20, 2014

Richard, Jim, Janet and Family,
On behalf of my wife Kathy and I, we send our deepest sympathy on your Dad's passing. Dale supported my efforts to join Heinz and I was fortunate enough to fill his position at Heinz after he retired and we stayed in touch over my 31 years with the company. He was always interested in the latest Heinz news and we enjoyed talking Husker football. We also fondly remember your Mother. They were a terrific couple and invited us the Ashland cabin a couple of times. You were fortunate to have him for many years and I was proud to have known him. We hope fond memories will ease your sadness.

February 20, 2014

Dale, as young boy scouts we knew you were generous, kind, talented, and energetic. Now, having read about your service in Europe, we add to that description modest and heroic. Thank you for all you did and were.

February 18, 2014

My Dad introduced me to Dale during one of my many visits to Arizona. They were part of the "Breakfast Group" who solved the worlds problems almost every morning. I was just out there in October and I really enjoyed my conversation with Dale at breakfast. My Dad passed away the end of November and I know the Breakfast Group is missing them both. I'm sure the two of them are back enjoying each others company once again!

February 18, 2014

Dale, it is an honor to have known you. Always a pleasure to have shared in laughter & conversation with you. You are what the greatest generation is all about! Love this Music!

February 18, 2014

Richard, Janet and Jim:

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad (like my dad) was one of the special one’s from The Greatest Generation (Tom Brokaw, 1998). It’s difficult to find people with the character and moral fiber that this era produced and I believe as children, we are all fortunate to have experienced their values and guiding hand in our upbringing. Good to know he went quietly and is now with your Mom. God bless.

February 17, 2014

Nice memorial; good pics, good music. Your dad was a great guy. I always liked him. Solid, regular guy of that great generation. It's not good that any of us have to pass on, even at 93. My condolences for this huge loss. Blessings on you all.

February 17, 2014

Janet, Richard and Jim - I'm so sorry to hear of Dale's passing. The ice-rinks were the best but I remember the hoops, swing-set, hollihocks, pickle pins and pin-ball machines as well as your mom's great cooking, many a BBQ and always a welcoming smile from them both. I felt as at home in your house as I did in my own and knew Dale (and Vi) would have done anything for us. Such great people - I am proud to have known them. Take care and much love to you.

February 17, 2014

Dear Janet, Jim, and Richard...I am so sad to hear about the loss of your father. I know Dale was a wonderful father to you. He was also a wonderful neighbor to us on Lake Street through all of our fun and challenging childhood years. I especially loved when he flooded the back yard to make an ice skating rink ! After our families left Lake Street, Dale remained a devoted, and caring lifelong friend to my folks, Mary and Bob Henderson. He continued to call them up until the time of their passing to check-in on their well being, and to tell them of your accomplishments. He was SO PROUD of the three of you. You meant the world to him. My prayers and love are with you during this difficult time <3 We are Forever Friends...Nancy Henderson Caskey

February 17, 2014

My friendship with Dale went back about 80 years! And it has meant a lot to me to have had contact with him through email and telephone calls in recent years. We grew up together in Plattsmouth and spent many memorable days at my dads lumber yard and various other places around town. Memories include going out to the local golf course and hunting for lost golf balls...he was a great friend and I will miss him very much! My heart is with you dear members of his family.

February 17, 2014

My heartfelt condolences to Jim, Janet and Richard. I haven't seen you guys in decades but I heard from Dale almost every week. He was a very caring and protective person. I appreciated this in him every week when he called. May he rest in peace with Viola at his side.

February 16, 2014

Thank you for making your home our home. All of us girls felt comfortable and could just hang out, run up and down the stairs and sneak boys in and out. You put up with a lot from us but always were kind and generous. Your family is a testament to the love in your household. You will be missed but I feel blessed to have been a part of your life.

February 16, 2014

Many a Saturday night of our winter months in Arizona were spent playing cards with Dale and Vi and later with just.Dale and I were with the same company with which Dale was very instrumental for my being there. You cant put 50 years of friendship in such a small space but he was a true and dear friend
Mel(Mike) and Darlene Michael

February 16, 2014

Dale you were always a great joy to be around. Putting up with us silly teenaged, giggly girls. I will remember your humor and the fact you brought up amazing kids. To the next time!

February 16, 2014

Deepest condolences from Barbara Hatch and David Dillion with Veterans Heritage Project. It was a privilege to include Dale's story in our 7th edition of Since You Asked. David Dillon, who interviewed Dale, is now in the Navy! Maybe Dale helped inspire him. You can reach me at barbara@veteransheritage.org. We will mention your father in our 11th edition's In Memoriam page and thereafter.

February 14, 2014

Dad, I know you and Mom are together again. We were so lucky to have you in our lives for so many years. You live forever through us and everyone whose life you touched. I love you, Dad.

February 14, 2014

Dad---I think about you every day. I am the most fortunate son in the world to have a wonderful father like you. Thank you for everything you did for me. Rest in peace. You are my hero and my inspiration.

February 7, 2014

Thank you dad for all that you did for me and your grandkids in life. We will always cherish our memories of you and honor your life by trying to be like you.

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Recent Tributes

January 29, 2021

January 29, 2017

Thinking of Dale's family, and wishing them them comfort, joy, and peace of mind. Dale left a wonderful legacy through his life and in his children

January 30, 2015

Thank you for sharing your military story with us, Dale. Yours was a life well-lived.

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Gallery

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Our Scout Master

February 20, 2014

Steve and I think fondly of your dad as our great scout master who spent a lot of his vacation time making life fun for a bunch of young guys. That photograph of the scouts you have in the photo gallery is one of our favorites. It was taken at the beginning of our hike over (and sleep out on top of) Flat Top Mountain in Colorado. In preparation for that trip, your dad and Sarg Hemphill had found old TV antennae had taught us how to make pack frames from them. And the tube tents we slept in he helped us make from plastic sheeting and duct tape. That thing served me well years later as a vagabond student in Europe. He even helped us make those felt mountain hats. We were well prepared, that’s for sure. But, as I recall it, all that preparation didn’t prevent us from being passed by a bunch of girl scouts as we were rising from a stormy sleep atop Flat Top! Many of our great memories were brought to us because of the energy, generosity, and kindness of your dad. We and many others will miss him a great deal. As for me, when I heard the news of his passing, I went and found my little green Heinz 57 pickle pin. All the best to you.

Doug Blomgren

Daddy’s Girl

February 15, 2014

Our Mom always told me that I was the one most like my Dad. And just like the boys he spent a lot of one-on-one time with me. I think it was uncommon for someone of his generation to include his daughter in traditional “boy” jobs but my Dad didn't care because if I wanted to learn something he would show me how to do it. He taught me how to work with tools, how to do yard work and fix things around the house. It was great quality time with my Dad. When I got older and owned my own home I really appreciated everything he taught me. Thanks, Dad.

Family Vacations

February 14, 2014

Our Dad loved to drive so when his two-week vacation came up every summer we were off in the car somewhere. One trip Dad decided to rent a pop up tent that was housed in a trailer like base. You would pull into a campsite, unhitch the trailer, secure the base and “pop up” the walls and ceiling of the tent. We camped in that thing all the way to and from Yellowstone Park. It was late in the summer and it actually snowed in several of the campgrounds. Needless to say it was no vacation for our mother. Dad might have had a good time, the kids might have had a good time, but my Mom had a terrible time, too much roughing it for her. Needless to say we never went camping again!

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