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Dale Willis Kunz, age 87, of Elmwood, NE, passed away on October 22, 2025, at Hillcrest Silver Ridge in Gretna, NE. He was born on February 23, 1938, in Lincoln, NE, to Joe and Ella (Bornemeier) Kunz.

After graduating from Elmwood High School in 1955, Dale continued to work on the family farm. On April 28, 1962, he married Sharon (Russell) Kunz at the Confederated Church in Mitchell, NE. Together, they made their home in Elmwood and welcomed two children, Kenneth and Kathryn.

Throughout his life, Dale worked tirelessly to provide for his family. In addition to farming, he took on various side jobs, including many years driving a propane truck for the local Farmers Coop Oil Company delivering propane to ensure his friends and neighbors had fuel during the long winter months.

Raised by parents who lived through the Great Depression, Dale learned the value of resourcefulness and hard work. He was always fixing equipment, repurposing materials, and finding creative solutions, whether winding up old baling wire, searching through a scrap pile for the perfect piece of metal, or spending time pulling nails to save a board and even sometimes the nails themselves! Dale was never afraid to get his hands dirty, working from dawn to dusk every day except Sunday. He raised livestock and farmed row crops for himself and for various landlords, rarely spending a day without being behind the wheel of a tractor or combine, or maneuvering some kind of farm implement. Working the land and raising livestock were labors of love and brought him immense joy. In fact, he continued operating machinery until his health declined this past spring.

Faith and church were the cornerstones of Dale's life. As an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Elmwood for over 70 years, he served on numerous committees, collected Sunday School offerings, acted as head usher, and served as a member of the Trustees committee. Dale and Sharon went on various mission trips throughout the years and served as Youth Fellowship Leaders. Following Hurricane Katrina at the end of 2005, they traveled to Baldwin, Louisiana with other church members on a mission trip to provide aid as a part of the church ministry United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Dale helped prepare supply kits, repaired damaged roofs and homes for locals and pitched in wherever needed.

Dale was a loyal supporter of the Elmwood Pirates and later the Elmwood-Murdock Knights athletic programs, attending countless games and events. He sat in the bleachers next to Sharon -often wishing she were not quite so loud- but always proud of his children and grandchildren. He rarely had a negative word to say and was known for his advice and unwavering support. He looked forward to his grandchildren's events and enjoyed every one of them, no matter what the result.

He was also active in the community, serving as a member of the Elmwood Lions Club and the Elmwood Cemetery Board, where he contributed to major projects like the West Land Expansion along with ongoing maintenance tasks. Dale cherished time spent with friends and neighbors, especially over coffee at the Coop or convenience store, sharing stories, providing crop updates and "razzing" each other with friendly banter.

Dale is survived by his two children Kenneth (Christine) Kunz and Kathryn (Douglas) Frahm, both of Elmwood, NE; grandchildren Owen Kunz (Elmwood, NE), Sydney Kunz (St. Louis, MO), Payton Frahm (fiancé Emma Gustafson, Tempe, AZ), Bailey Frahm (Lincoln, NE), and Delaney Frahm (Lincoln, NE).  He is also survived by nieces and nephews; Wayne (friend Anna Hundall) Althouse, the late Joyce (Richard) Jacobson, Donna (Rex) Clements, Carl (Kathleen) Althouse, and Arlo (Vicki) Fleischman as well as Sharon's family from western Nebraska.   Dale was proceeded in death by his wife, Sharon (Russell) Kunz; his parents, Joe and Ella (Bornemeier) Kunz; sisters and brothers-in-law, Adele (Walter) Fleischman, and Grace (Lloyd) Althouse; and other beloved relatives.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 5-7 PM with family at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Elmwood, NE.  Funeral Services will be Monday, October 27, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the Church.  Memorials may be directed to family for future designation.

Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home, Elmwood, NE  402-994-6575