(veteran) Dale W. Hespen, 79, of Fremont died Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007, at Immanuel Medical Center in Omaha.

The funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, in the Salem Lutheran Church, Fremont. Interment will follow in Memorial Cemetery.

Dale W. Hespen was born March 11, 1928, in the farm home north of Fremont to Ben and Tillie Hespen. That farm house remained his home all his life, and the property was the land he farmed all his life. He also raised hogs and at one time, had the largest hatchling flock in this part of the country for American Hatchery. During his teenage years, he was featured in Life magazine with his calf that he had taken to a livestock show in Chicago.

Mr. Hespen was most recently working for his daughter-in-law’s Merry Maids cleaning service in Fremont.

He was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Fremont all his life and was baptized, confirmed, and married there. His marriage to Mary Lou Hoganson took place on Aug. 24, 1950. He also served on the church council and several of the church committees. He served on the school board of District 42 for many years. He was a member of the Fremont Eagles Aerie 200. For many years, Mr. and Mrs. Hespen were active bowlers. In his earlier years, he served in the National Guard. He was known for his gardening expertise, particularly raising sweet corn and tomatoes.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; daughter, Joan Sales of Fremont; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Ruth Hespen of Fremont; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Wes Jensen of Sidney, and Delores Trumbo of Blair; sister-in-law, Mary Hoganson of Bailey, Colo.; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Hespen.

Memorials are suggested to Salem Lutheran Church and the Nebraska Children’s Home.

Ludvigsen Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Find A Grave Memorial# 41401423