Dale Patrick “Pat” Wright of Scottsbluff, NE passed away August 16, 2023 at the Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, CO at the age of 85. A son of Dale and Alberta Wright, Pat was born August 4, 1938 in Bridgeport, NE. He was united in marriage to Mildred Arnold of Imperial, NE on September 5, 1959 at Council Bluffs, Iowa, and they were married 63 years. They had two children, Justin and Sonia.
Pat attended elementary school at Redington and was a 1956 graduate of Bridgeport High School. Pat was active in 4-H and was awarded national trips to Chicago and Washington D.C. In high school, he enjoyed playing trumpet in the band and competing in football. Pat attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science in 1960. He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and was in the Block and Bridle Club, along with the University Livestock Judging Team. After college, Pat judged livestock at county fairs, was a 4-H leader, and was on the county 4-H Club Council. He served as co-chairman of Scottsbluff-Gering United Way, president of Gering Jaycees, as well as president of Bridgeport Jaycees.
After his college graduation, Pat and Mildred returned to the family ranch near Redington and worked with Pat’s parents. In 1964, the family relocated near Chimney Rock and farmed. Soon after, they moved to Gering, and Pat worked for Ohio National Life Insurance Company. He began his career with Farmers Home Administration residing in Gering, Dalton, Lexington, and Red Cloud. The family returned to ranching near Redington in 1978 through 1984. A move back to Gering followed with Pat working as a farm loan officer for Gering National Bank. From there, he went back to working for Farmers Home Administration in Scottsbluff. He retired in 2004 after completing 30 years with the agency.
The family ranch, where his grandparents homesteaded, was Pat’s lifelong passion. During retirement, he would happily spend time providing maintenance. Walleye fishing, flower gardening, and watching Nebraska volleyball and football were Pat and Mildred’s shared hobbies. He always supported Mildred’s artistic endeavors. Pat also enjoyed goose hunting. He loved his family and enjoyed activities with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Relationships with his extended family and many friends provided great joy.
Pat is survived by his wife, Mildred, of Scottsbluff, NE; his children, Justin (Connie) Wright of Waverly, NE, and Sonia (Tom) Sherman of Ashland, NE; grandchildren, Trevor and Mikah Wright, Taylor Sherman, and Stefanie (Christian) Snyder. He is also survived by his siblings, Ronald (Ruth) Wright, Chatham, IL, and Rosanne (Craig) Power, Midway, UT; several nieces and nephews; and in-laws, Dr. Gary Hergenrader, Lincoln, NE, and Claude and Carol Arnold, North Platte, NE. Pat was preceded in death by his parents; Mildred’s parents, Paul and Rosa Arnold; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Hergenrader.
Funeral service will be Saturday, August 26, at 10:30 a.m. at Gering United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Friday, August 25, 5-7 p.m. at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Home, Scottsbluff. Interment will be at 2 p.m. at Redington Cemetery in Morrill County. Memorials may be given to the Gering United Methodist Church and Western Nebraska Arts Center