Wilbur C Dahlgren

Funeral Services for Wilbur C. Dahlgren will be held at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege, Nebraska on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Kenton Birtell officiating. Interment will follow at the Moses Hill Cemetery in rural Phelps County, Nebraska.

Wilbur Charles "Willie" Dahlgren, 87 years of age, of rural Funk, Nebraska, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2015 at his home. Willie was born September 18, 1927, on the family farm, northeast of Holdrege in Phelps County, the younger of two sons born to Franklin A. and Nannie I. (Anderson) Dahlgren. Willie received his primary education from a country school through the 8th grade and then began to help with the family farm as his dad became unable.
Willie served with the Nebraska National Guard from 1948-1951, where he was a heavy equipment operator.

Willie earned his Pilot's License in his early 20's and later in life, received his Gliders License. He was given the nicknames, "Loopin' Willy" and "Loop the Loop Dahlgren". He has enjoyed flying and also, creating the love of flying for many others.

In June 1950, he was united in marriage to Marjorie Joan Anders at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege. To this union, four children were born: Katherine, Rosanna, Richard and Frank. The family made their home northeast of Funk, where he has lived and farmed since. Willy retired in 1992 from farming.

On April 16, 1971, Willie was united in marriage to Jean Frey in Kearney, Nebraska and he welcomed her two daughters, Valerie and Veronica to the family.

Willie enjoyed flying and gliding, gardening and tending his yard. He also enjoyed boating and fishing, especially his trips to Canada with his sons and grandson. Willie and Jean enjoyed travelling abroad and dancing.

Willie was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Warner Dahlgren; and grandson, Jonah Meyer.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife of 43 years, Jean of Funk; his children: Rick Dahlgren and his wife, Jill of Axtell, Nebraska, Frank Dahlgren of Funk, Kathy Dahlgren of Kearney and Rosanna Meyer and her husband, Bryan of Bertrand, Nebraska; step-daughters, Valerie Warnell of Kearney and Veronica Larsen of Holdrege; seven grandchildren: Daniel Meyer and his wife, Rosalynda of San Antonio, Texas, Michelle Carroll and her husband, Tim of Grand Island, Nebraska, Janet Johnson of Kearney, A.J. Dahlgren of Axtell, Megan Dahlgren of Beatrice, Nebraska, Zoe Dahlgren of Axtell, and Jenon Janelli of Lebenon, Tennessee; seven step grandchildren: Cammie Warnell of Lincoln, Nebraska, Cassie Warnell of Kearney, Adam Larsen of Hastings, Nebraska, Andrew Larsen, Shelby Larsen and Michael Larsen all of Holdrege; six great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Zola Maul of Kearney; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska.

A memorial has been established in Willie's honor and kindly suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project.

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.