Willis "Dale" Eltiste

Funeral services for W. Dale Eltiste, 79, of Tecumseh were Tuesday,

December 5, 2000, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sterling. He died Saturday, December 2, 2000, at Johnson County Hospital in Tecumseh after suffering a stroke November 22, 2000.

Dale was born to Paul and Edna (Rohrs) Eltiste on the family farm north of Rohrs in Nemaha County on September 24, 1921. He moved with his family to Dawson County at a young age. His mother died when Dale was 9 years old. Dale graduated from Overton High School at the age of 16. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) after high school and served several years. Dale engaged in turkey farming in Dawson County with his brother Vernon. After meeting Opal Torbeck during a visit to Johnson, Dale moved back to Nemaha County. After their marriage on February 27, 1944, Dale and Opal moved to the farm southwest of Vesta, where they raised large flocks of turkeys.

Dale had a life-long interest in hunting, trapping, fishing and was an active steward of the land. His love of animals extended to his dog, Bozo, who was a Christmas gift from his children.

Dale was often found at the local livestock sales, where he had many friends. His knowledge of cattle and livestock always led him to the best bargains and potential profit.

Dale hunted deer with his family and friends every year since the season was approved in southeast Nebraska. He bagged his last deer in the Fall of 2000.

Dale was baptized at Martin Luther Church, rural Johnson, confirmed at St. John (Stone) Church, rural Auburn, and was a past member of St. John Lutheran Church, Tecumseh, and current member of St. John Lutheran Church, Sterling.

Survivors include: his Wife, Opal Eltiste; Daughter, Gloria Durman of Kent, Ohio; Sons, Wayne and Lois Eltiste and Russell and Carolyn Eltiste of  Tecumseh, Nebraska; Grandchildren, Cristina and Rick Jackson, Wichita, Kansas, Thomas and Anuja Durman, Manchester, Connecticut;  Cory Durman, Kent, Ohio., Craig Eltiste and fiancé Robin Woltemath of Lincoln, Nebraska; Doug and Kandi Eltiste of Johnson, Nebraska;  Russell and Michelle Eltiste Jr. of Tecumseh, Nebraska; and Nicole Eltiste of Kearney; six Great-Grandchildren; two step Great-grandsons; and a Brother, Vernon Eltiste of Lexington, Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by: His Parents; Brothers, Leonard Eltiste and Gordon Eltiste and Sister, Mary Eltiste.

Memorials are suggested to the family's choice.

Wherry Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.