Dale F. Bartlett

Dale Frank Bartlett of Cozad passed away October 22, 2023 at Meadowlark Pointe at the age of 98. Dale was born April 1, 1925, near Cozad to Wrythy and Delia (Griffis) Bartlett. He was raised on a farm northwest of Cozad and attended Happy Hollow Grade School in Custer County, District 27 Lucerne Valley School before graduation from Cozad High School in 1942.

In 1944, Dale enlisted in the Army. He served his country in Philippines until 1946. On June 13, 1948 he married Ruby Hyatt at Cozad, Dale and Ruby were married for 68 years. The couple was blessed with two children, Larry and Sue. He was a member on the Cozad United Methodist Church where he served on a numerous committees.

He farmed west of Cozad. His love for farming kept him on the farm until 1988 when they moved into Cozad. During this time he traded labor with his brother Wayne, brother-in-law Bill Laird and neighbor Vern White. These three had many wild adventures in the north hills and river pastures. The SOB Truck-Line, later known as the "Over-the-Hill" Truck-Line, was born of these work relationships. He cherished memories of picking corn, haying, and running cattle. Every event and job was a family affair.

Dale owned a cabin a Midway Lake and loved entertaining his kids and grandkids during the summer months. He enjoyed taking them fishing for crappie and catfish. He also enjoyed hunting, boating and playing games with his siblings and grandchildren. You could always plan on having a big bowl of ice cream with him.

Survivors include his children, Larry (Sue) Bartlett of Lincoln and Sue (Kent) Aden of Cozad; 6 grandchildren, Trevor (Tina) Bartlett, Mandy (Doug) Abbott, Heidi Bartlett, Heather (Brian) Bartlett-Vanis, Ashley (Jay) Fuller and Jamion (Tasia) Aden; 14 great-grandchildren, Rachel (Jared), Tyler, Jayleigh, Cade, Chase, Katie, Addie, Rugor, Kai, Creighton, Crew, Rider, Tanner and Kale; and his sister, Donna Laird.

Dale was preceded in death by his wife Ruby; parents, Wrythy and Delia; granddaughter, Kendra Aden, great-granddaughter, Rhakenna Aden; sisters and brother-in-laws, Glenna and Vern Young, Thelma and Bill Peterson, Opal and Vincent Ogorsolka; brothers and sister-in-laws, Wayne and Georgia Bartlett, Lyle and Lola Bartlett; brother-in-law, Bill Laird; two infant siblings, Audry and Glenn. 

Memorials may be given to the Cozad Methodist Church or Meadowlark Pointe. Services will be held Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cozad United Methodist Church with Pastor Bellarmee Milosi officiating. Burial will follow at Cozad Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to service time. Berryman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.