Dale R. Patchen, 86, of Phillips, Nebraska passed away unexpectedly Friday, April 11, 2025, at CHI Health St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home in Grand Island is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Phillips Global Methodist Church in Phillips, Nebraska.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Phillips Global Methodist Church in Phillips. The Reverend Dave Mendyk will officiate the service.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the family to be designated later.

Dale was born January 3, 1939, in Columbus, Nebraska to Dale P. Patchen and Laura (Witzel) Patchen. He grew up in Fullerton, Nebraska, and graduated from Fullerton High School. Growing up in Fullerton, was where his love for hunting and fishing began. Dale would skip school to go hunting and would leave a duck or a goose on the principal's back porch as a peace offering for skipping school. He never got punished for missing class.

After graduation, Dale entered the United States Navy on August 13, 1957. He was a 2nd Class Petty Officer and worked in the engine room of US Navy Ships. He was honorably discharged on August 12, 1963.

A devoted family man, Dale was known for his big heart, strong spirit, and love of the outdoors. An avid hunter and lifelong bowler, he found peace on the river and joy on the lanes, where he made countless memories with friends and family. Whether calling in geese at dawn or perfecting his game at the bowling alley, he embraced life with passion and purpose.

More than anything, Dale loved his family. He was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather always ready with a story, a laugh, or a helping hand. His legacy lives on in the values he passed down - loyalty, hard work, and love without limits.

Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Mardelle Doremus of Benedict, his children, Deb Colburn and Darren Patchen both of Phillips, grandchildren, Joshua (Debbie) Colburn of Grand Island, Leilani Demson of Alpine, CA, Nikki Colburn of Doniphan, Ashley (Leonard) Brown of Alpine, CA, Rayce Patchen of Bellevue and many great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale & Laura, and by his loving wife, Marilyn.

Condolence to the family and sharing of memories may be signed at www.livson.com .