Dale Putnam was born on January 5, 1937, in Lynch, Nebraska, to Fred and Alice Putnam. He lived in Naper, Nebraska for five years, then Spencer, Nebraska for three years, before moving to a farm in Mapleton, Iowa. He graduated from Mapleton High School and attended one year of college at Iowa State. On August 6, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart Mary Lou Muckey.
The family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska in 1956. They had four children, Kathy (Rudy) Nuttelman, Brenda (Todd) Wicken, Sandy (Glenn) Payne, and Jeff (Pam) Putnam, 13 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.
Beginning in October 1956, Dale proudly worked as a heat and frost insulator for Omaha Local 39 and was a member for 42 years. He served on the Executive Board as a Trustee and Vice President retiring in July 1998.
Dale was an exceptional athlete in high school playing football (All State honorable mention) and basketball. In later years he excelled in golf and bowling. He was a longtime member of the Hidden Valley Men’s Golf League and served as the Treasurer for 30 years and League President for two terms. He was a passionate supporter of the Hidden Valley Scholarship program.
From 2000 to 2009, Dale was a volunteer for the N.E.M.A.P. for the Nebraska State Patrol’s Roadside Assistance Program. In recognition of his volunteer service, he was named an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska by Gov. Mike Johanns.
From 2000 to 2014, Dale also worked for the University of Nebraska Event Staff. He was an avid Husker fan and made many friends while working events.
Dale provided loving, and patient care for the five years Mary Lou, his wife of 62 years, spent in and out of nursing homes prior to her death in 2017.
In 2018 Dale met Evelyn Thompson of Guide Rock, Nebraska, and in September 2019, they were joined in a committal ceremony. They lived on Evelyn’s farm until her death in May 2020.
Dale moved back to Lincoln in August 2020 where he lived and was cared for by his daughter Brenda and son-in-law, Todd, until his death on July 22, 2023.
Along with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, Dale is survived by his brother Gary Putnam (Gillian Murphy).
A highly principled person, Dale’s word was his bond. His wealth was in relationships with family and friends. Laughter and wit were part of every day and every contact.
A visitation for Dale will be held Thursday, July 27, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S 14th St, Lincoln, NE 68512. A funeral service will occur Friday, July 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Memorials are in the care of the family for future designation.
