Dale Wallace Harkert

Dale Wallace Harkert

Dec 28, 1924 – May 30, 2017

Dale Wallace Harkert was born on December 28, 1924 to Walter E. and Mercedes Carey Harkert in Omaha, NE.  He was baptized as a child of God and marked by the cross of Christ at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Vernelle Swanson Harkert; infant son, Bradley Dale Harkert; and sister, Jane Harkert Seitner Muchemore.

Dale was known for his very fine mind, exceptional intellect, quick wit, sense of humor, athletic ability, and kind and gracious manner.  He was a 1943 graduate of Benson High School where he excelled in math, theater, and tennis. He graduated in 1950 from what was then known as the University of Omaha with a degree in business.

Dale suffered a broken back while serving his country in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II and quietly lived with the pain from that injury for 74 years.  For all of his life, Dale treasured above all else, Faith, Family and Country.

Dale married his college sweetheart, Vernelle Swanson, in 1951 and together they had four children.  Dale and Nell enjoyed 46 years together raising their children, taking wonderful vacations, playing golf and bridge, cheering at Nebraska football and St. Louis Cardinal baseball games, gardening, taking art lessons, and dancing.  Dale loved music, was a beautiful vocalist, was a huge fan of Big Band music, and was a fabulous dancer! Dale won the hand of his bride when he composed and sang a special song for her.  Dale’s great love of all animals meant the Harkert household always included any number of adored pets.

After working in mortgage loans at Prudential and as a subdivision appraiser at HUD, Dale formed his own company, Harkert Appraisal, in 1982.  Dale was known as a top real estate appraiser in Omaha until his retirement in 2013 at age 89.

In 1956, Dale and Nell became Charter Members of Morning Star Lutheran Church, where both were active members and Dale served in leadership on the Church Council for 18 years.

Dale is survived by his children: Karen Hawkins (Kim), Jeffrey Harkert, and Kathy Jochim; grandchildren: Kim Hawkins, Jr. (Amy), Chris Hawkins (Kayla), Ande Johnson (Adam), Josh Jochim, and Zach Jochim; nine great-grandchildren; four nephews and one niece; dear friends; and a dog and a cat.

The family will receive friends Friday, June 2^nd from 5pm to 7pm at the Bel Air Chapel, 12100 W. Center Rd.  SERVICES Saturday, June 3^rd at 10:30am at Morning Star Lutheran Church, 331 So. 85^th Ave.  Interment, Forest Lawn Memorial Park with military honors by Ralston American Legion Post 373.  Memorials are suggested to Morning Star Lutheran Church.