Dan Weddle, 79, of Pawnee, Nebraska, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. Born on February 7, 1947, in Falls City, Nebraska, Dan was the son of Ralph and Bettie (Daniels) Weddle.
Dan met the love of his life, Neala Halterman, while attending high school in Nebraska City. The couple was united in marriage on December 22, 1967, beginning a partnership that would span nearly 59 years.
Answering the call to serve his country, Dan left college to honorably serve in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a helicopter pilot. Following his tour overseas, he and Neala moved to Ft. Rucker, Alabama, where Dan served as an instructor pilot. During that time, they welcomed their son, Daniel “DJ.”
The family later returned home to Nebraska, settling in southeast Nebraska, where Dan began his career as a probation officer in Pawnee City. There they welcomed their daughter, Marnie. Dan continued his military service for the next 35 years with the Nebraska National Guard, serving both as an instructor pilot and in the JAG office. Professionally, he advanced to become Chief Probation Officer, overseeing a 13-county area in southeast Nebraska.
Dan dedicated countless hours to creating the family’s permanent home in Pawnee, helping remodel and build the house and lovingly constructing numerous flower beds for Neala. He had a lifelong passion for hunting quail, pheasant, and deer, as well as a deep appreciation for firearms from an early age. In retirement, he opened “The Lower Forty” gun store in Falls City, which was more a joyful hobby than a business.
Of all the roles Dan held in life, none brought him greater happiness than being “Grandpa” or “PaPa.” He treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren — from family vacations and teaching them to shoot, to nightly phone calls to check in, be silly, or to just hear about their day.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Bettie Weddle of Nebraska City, and sister-in-law Donna Hamling.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Neala Weddle; son, DJ Weddle and wife Melissa of West Point, Nebraska, and their children Taylor, Makenna, Brooklyn, and Treven; daughter, Marnie Brezack and husband David of Omaha, Nebraska, and their daughter Ellie; brother, Tom Weddle and wife Ruth of Nebraska City; brother-in-law Rick Halterman and wife Mickey; sister-in-law Sandy Cummings and husband Pat; brother-in-law Leroy Hamling; along with many cherished nephews, nieces, extended family members, and friends.
Dan will be greatly missed, but remembered for his patriotic service and love of his country, dedication to his community, and the unwavering love for his family.
Dan wishes was to be cremated. Celebration of Life at a later date.
Memorials to the Pawnee County Memorial Foundation towards the Ambulance service.
Services pending with Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska
