Memorial Service for Dale D. Murdoch will be held on Monday, February 1, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Pastors Murray Jones, Doug Reed, and David Oldham officiating. Inurnment will be held at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege, Nebraska following the service, with Military Honors provided by the Martin-Horn American Legion Post #66 in conjunction with the United States Navy Military Funeral Honors Team. Face coverings are kindly encouraged.
Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; current CDC and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for Faith-Based Services and Gatherings will be followed. The Murdoch family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Dale’s services, based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community. Dale’s memorial service will be live streamed via the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Homes Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/Nelson-Bauer-Funeral-Homes-111601113801622).
Dale Duane Murdoch, 86 years of age, of rural Holdrege, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney, Nebraska from complications with Dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Dale was born on December 8, 1934, on the family farm near Orleans, Nebraska. Dale was the fourth of five children born to Charlie and Iva (tenBensil) Murdoch. He received his primary education from the Carter Union Secondary School in Harlan County then attended Oxford High School, graduating with the class of 1952. Carter Union Secondary School and church were so very important to his spiritual life. He accepted Christ as his Savior at a young age.
After his education, Dale farmed with his dad and brothers. In 1955, he enlisted into the Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California. Dale returned home in 1957 to continue farming.
It was after his return from the Navy, that he met Betty Louise Nelson and on April 26, 1959, they were united in marriage at the First Presbyterian Church in Holdrege. To this union; the family was blessed with two daughters: Shelly and Linda. The family made their home on a farm south of Holdrege, where Dale engaged in farming and enjoyed the labor of the land. Dale always said he was born to farm and “farm” he did – enjoying every day of it. In his spare time, he enjoyed camping, boating, hunting, roller skating and traveling to Hawaii. But most of all, he enjoyed attending all of his grandchildren’s activities and spending time with his family. He was the most loving Grandpa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; there was always a smile on his face when they called or visited.
Dale was a faithful member of the Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Holdrege. He served as usher for many years and also on the Trustee Board for several terms. Dale served on R-7 school board. He was honored to give both daughters their 8th grade diplomas, he always teased them that he was going to hug and kiss them when he gave them their diploma.
In 2016, after Dale’s health began to fail, he made his home at the Country House Residence in Kearney and then in 2018, at Mount Carmel Home. He really appreciated the excellent care he received at both facilities.
Besides his parents; Dale was preceded in death by 2 brothers: Floyd Murdoch and his wife, Marie; and Paul Murdoch; sister, Maxine Reed and her husband, Doran; brother-in-law, Ozzie Purdy; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vernon (Slim) and Betty Nelson; and brothers-in-law: Arlen Maxfeldt and Larry Stanford.
He leaves to celebrate his life; his devoted wife, Betty Murdoch of Holdrege; two daughters: Shelly Nelsen of Bertrand, Nebraska; and Linda Bialas and her husband, Randy of Holdrege; four grandchildren: Jennifer Weber and her husband, Jerod of Bertrand; Kyla Heller and her husband Dean, of Loomis, Nebraska; Jamie Bialas and his wife, Janessa of Holdrege; and Tyler Bialas of Holdrege; four great-grandchildren: Jayden, Jerzee, Jillian, and Jozlyn Weber of Bertrand; sister, Cleo Purdy of Mission Viejo, California; sister-in-law: Ardyce Murdoch of Cheyenne, Wyoming; June Maxfeldt of Nowalk Connecticut, brothers- in-law: Lonnie Dean Nelson and his wife, Tricia of Cadiz, Kentucky; Merle Nelson and his wife, Sherri of Union Star, Missouri; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege. In accordance with Dale’s wishes he will be cremated following the visitation.
A memorial has been established in Dale’s honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com
The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.