Delores E. “Dee” Chase

Delores E. “Dee” Chase

August 21, 1935 – May 12, 2024

Delores “Dee” Elaine Burkett Chase was born on August 21, 1935, in Omaha, NE.  She was the last of 6 children born to Cora Bessie Cline and Roby Lee Burkett.   Dee grew up in Central City, NE until 1946 when her mother moved them to Omaha following the death of her father at the age of 10.   Dee enjoyed her time living in South Omaha where she met many of her friends, enjoyed roller skating, and attended Cross Lutheran & South High School.  Dee graduated from South High School in 1953 and remained in contact with her friends for her entire life.

On June 4, 1954, Dee married her husband of nearly 50 years, Gerald “Jerry” Chase.   Jerry & Dee led a blessed life.  They welcomed Denise to the family first in 1956 and Ronda followed just a short time later in 1957.   After a short stint together in Virginia, while Jerry was in the service, they ended up moving back to Omaha and establishing their life together there.    They built a home in the Westgate neighborhood in the very early years and made it their lifelong home.

Dee worked in those early years for KOIL radio station with many famous local voices at that time and was even the voice of local advertisements herself; however, eventually turned to raising her children as her primary vocation after Jerry started working for Greyhound bus lines.   In 1966 they welcomed their first and only son, Patrick, to the family.   Their final child, Vicki, arrived in 1969.    Dee spent her days in Westgate raising her children, attending ballgames, going to the swimming pool, and working in her garden.

She returned to work in 1976 when her youngest child started school and was excited to begin with a flourishing new company, First Data.   She worked at First Data for nearly 25 years until her first retirement.  She was known and loved by many at First Data and was an avid participator in the activities they offered, whether it be the walking club, tennis league, or corporate cup run, Dee would always sign up!   She was known to be a good athlete her whole life and always remained active.  She was the ping pong champion in Omaha at a young age and played tennis long into her retirement.  In fact, she was awarded an athletic scholarship to Iowa State for tennis but selected to marry her love, Jerry.

After “testing” retirement for a few years, she decided she needed something to do with her spare time and joined another relatively young but prospering company called Home Instead as a caregiver.  She worked as a part-time caregiver for nearly 13 years, helping to care for seniors who needed assistance with errands, housework, gardening or just socializing.  She often joked she was the same age as her clients but that made it a good fit for her because they often had many things in common.  Dee had a long-time involvement with Home Instead often appearing in their advertising efforts and currently still serves as the face to their Alzheimer’s & Dementia training curriculum in use in the U.S.

Dee had a zest for life and enjoyed staying busy with traveling, reading, gardening, and spending time with her family, which grew over the years!

She was preceded in death by her parents, her 5 siblings, and her husband Jerry in 2004.  She is survived by her four children.  Denise (Rod) Ortgiesen, Ronda (Jeff) Stemm, Patrick Chase and Vicki (Scott) Castleman.  She was blessed with 10 grandchildren.  Adam (Shelly) Ortgiesen, Erin (Ben) Jourdan, Chase Maurine, Drew (Erica) Maurine, Dayne (Jason) Lawyer, Amandah Chase, Trystan Chase, Carsyn Chase, Connor Castleman and Parker Castleman were all the light of her life.  She had 6 great-grandchildren:  Brayden & Braleigh Ortgiesen, Gabe & Collin Jourdan, Genevieve & Lennon Lawyer.   She was a beloved Aunt to her many nieces and nephews who all held a special place in her heart.

Dee’s life was one of inspiration for many as she lived her 88 years, 8 months, and 12 days to the fullest—always with a beautiful smile on her face and a Rice Krispy treat in her hand.

VISITATION: Wednesday, May 15th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at West Center Chapel, 7805 W. Center Rd.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Thursday, May 16th, at 10 a.m., at West Center Chapel.

INTERMENT: Evergreen Cemetery, 2300 S. 78th St.

Memorials are suggested  to the Omaha Public Library Foundation.

To view a live broadcast of the Funeral Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.