Dale E. Holbein

Dale Edward Holbein, age 79, passed away on March 11, 2022 at his home in Lexington, Nebraska. Although a failing heart took him to be with his Lord and savior, his caring heart was a beacon of light for the community.

Dale was born in Lexington, Nebraska on November 23, 1942 to Edward C. and Esther M. (Hansen) Holbein of Overton, Nebraska.  He grew up on the family farm with his parents and brother. Dale graduated from Overton High School in 1963, he was in the Nebraska National Guard and attended Grand Island School of Business.

On April 24, 1966 he married his soulmate and partner for life, Donna K. Petersen, of Lexington. They had three children, Denise, Daryn and Dahlas. He was a proud father, grandfather, firefighter, veteran, and community servant.

Dale worked for Kjar Hay and Grain, Hodges Chevrolet, Parkway Standard, Reynolds-Love, Lexington Drive-In Movie, American Family Insurance, Ozark National Life, Don Romeo Talent Agency, and Tri-City Tribune. He and Donna owned Craftique which later became Awards Plus of Lexington. But his favorite work always revolved around the Dawson County Fairgrounds where he along with his business partners built the Dawson County Raceway in 1969. He went on to manage the Dawson County Fairgrounds for fifteen years. The highlight of his year was always Dawson County Fair week. He spent the whole year putting his heart and soul into planning the annual event. He loved this work and made life-long friends from talent agents to the carnival owners to the fellow fair managers and board members across the state.

Dale was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lexington where he served as an elder for many years. He was a member of the Lexington Jaycees and served as the State vice president, he also served on the Lexington Planning Commission. His great pride was to serve the community as a member of the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department. Dale joined LVFD on February 15, 1966 and served as a member until his recent retirement on February 15, 2022 after 55 years of service. He served as the department’s secretary/treasurer for 34 years and was known as the trusted pumper truck operator. He served on the Lexington Rural Fire Board from 1988 and was currently serving as the Board secretary/treasurer. It was his great honor and privilege to serve his community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Esther Holbein; father and mother-in-law, Archie and Mary Petersen, three grandchildren, Carter Edward, Caden Eugene, and Hadee Marie Holbein.

 Left to celebrate his life are his bride, Donna Holbein of Lexington; his children, Dahlas and Amy Holbein of Lexington; Daryn and Nicole Holbein of Okmulgee, OK; and Denise and Greg Behrends of Hastings, NE; his grandchildren Carson and Ava Holbein of Lexington; brother Dean and Barbara Holbein of Prosper, TX;  his nieces and nephews; many cousins; and numerous friends.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 15, 2022, from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the LexChristian Church in Lexington with Pastors Rex Adams and Michael Boling, officiating.

Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington.

In Lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Children’s Hospital in Omaha or the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.  Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefunerahome.com