Funeral services were Sunday, Feb. 3, at the Oakland-Craig Public Schools Elementary gymnasium. Interment was in the Swaburg Cemetery.

Dewaine R. Gahan was born June 23, 1949, in San Francisco, Calif., to Bob and Ann (Blaser) Gahan. He graduated from Oakland High School in 1967 and from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1971 with a journalism degree.

His career included three years as sports editor of the Holdrege Citizen, six years as sports editor of the Fremont Tribune and 27 years as co-owner of the Oakland Independent and Lyons Mirror-Sun.

He was a well-known columnist, authoring more than 4,000 in his lifetime. He was especially recognized for his sports columns, earning 12 national and 24 state awards for his work.

Mr. Gahan was the state newspaper association president in 1994-1995, and was honorary state president in 2007-2008. He was also president of the Interstate Editorial Association, and the northeast Nebraska Press Association.

He initiated numerous events or projects most notably the Oakland Swedish Festival, lading it for 11 years, and the Swedish Basketball Classic, directing it for 14 years. He was heavily involved in his community, serving in numerous civic clubs and organizations.

Honors include the Distinguished Service Association Award from the Nebraska Schools Activities Association; first inductee into the Oakland Hall of Fame; Nebraska Coaches Association “Media Person of the Year”; NSTAAA “Outstanding Media Award”; honorary lifetime member of the Nebraska Press Association Board of Directors; Lifetime Achievement Award from The Nebraska Basketball Development Association; “Champion of Education” award from the Nebraska State Education Association; Andy Award from the University of Nebraska at Omaha; Benjamin Fine Award from the National Association of School Principals; and multiple winner of the Ak-Sar-Ben/Con-Agra Community Service Award.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Bobbie, of Oakland; sons and daughter-in-law, the Rev. Gregg and Jennifer Gahan of Langford, S.D., and Joe Gahan of Jackson, Tenn.; daughter and son-in-law, Betsy and Chuck Bitker of Kearney; one grandson; mother, Ann Gahan of Oakland; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mike Gahan of Scribner, Chris and Annette Gahan of Lincoln, Glen and Melanie Gahan of Omaha and Paul and Eileen Gahan of Seward; sisters and brothers-in-law, Dr. Karen and Bob Tarnow of Kansas City, Nora and Rick Eriksen of rural Tekamah, Rita and Roger Houdersheldt of rural Shelby and Dr. Janice and Ron Rech of Blair; mother-in-law, Lois Engdahl of Fremont; sister-in-law and spouse, Nancy and Gary Beard of Uehling; and brother-in-law and spouse, Karl and Kim Engdahl of Fremont.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Scott, infant daughter, Sara; and his father, Bob.

Memorials can be directed to the Nebraska High School Hall of “Fame, Oakland Ball Association, Oakland Swedish Festival, the Uehling Ball Park Fund and the Nebraska Press Association Foundation.