Dale Eugene Thurman

Dale Eugene Thurman, a cherished and hard-working individual, passed away on November 12, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on March 23, 1936, in Eagle Grove, Iowa, Dale was known for his humorous, thoughtful, and loving nature. He was an independent and outgoing man, always thrifty and a tinkerer at heart.

Dale graduated from Fertile High School in Minnesota in 1955. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and later retired from Lucent, formerly known as Western Electric, where he worked as a machinist.

Dale was married to Margaret “Peggy” Zugmier; together they had a daughter, Barbara Jo Thurman, and two sons, Darrell Dean Thurman and Michael Eugene Thurman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joel and Gladys Thurman; his beloved wife, Beverly Thurman; his son, Darrell Thurman; his sisters, Irene, Celia, and Ardith; and his brothers, Al, Russ, and Doug. Dale is survived by his brothers, Jack and Bob; his sister, Joan; his children, Mike Thurman and Barbara Crawford; and his stepchildren, Jerry Dunn and Toni Flermoen. Dale was a proud grandfather to Ashley Stapleton, Tabitha Thurman, Josh Thurman, Nicholas Dunn, Ryan Dunn, Lindsay Dunn, Kelsey Anderson, Alex Flermoen, Durin Flermoen, Lisa Crawford, Amanda Grindvold, and Samantha Gardner, as well as 14 great-grandchildren.

Dale had a passion for bowling, fishing, camping, playing keno, and betting on sports. He enjoyed sharing a Budweiser, traveling, farming, and spending time at local watering holes with friends. He could often be found in his garden or watering his flowers, and he spent countless hours creating gadgets in his work shed. Dale enjoyed hanging out with loved ones, watching old westerns, gambling trips, John Wayne movies, classic tv shows, country music, and was a die-hard Husker fan. Dale was so independent he insisted on spending his final days in his own home.

A member of the VFW and American Legion, Dale gave regularly to the Children's Hospital for over 20 years. He was always willing to help a neighbor and was proud to share his home-grown tomatoes. Known for being fair and honest, Dale was a kind-hearted person who went out of his way to help others, whether family, friends, or strangers. When asked, "how ya feeling?" he would humorously reply, "with my hands!"

Expressions of gratitude are extended to Barb Crawford, Mike Thurman, Shelly Thurman, Jerry Dunn, Toni Flermoen, and Paula and Theresa at Tabitha Hospice for providing quality care and making Dale feel comfortable. Special thanks to Dale’s friends Ashley, and Kenny and Elaine Whitehead for visiting him in his final days.

A Memorial Service will be held at Kahler Dolce Mortuary, located at 441 North Washington Street, Papillion, NE 68046, on December 6, 2025, at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, honorariums in Dale’s memory may be directed to the Children’s Hospital.