Donald D. Dibble, Sr.
December 31, 1947 – January 27, 2024
Donald David Dibble, Sr was born in Chicago, Illinois to Lillian L. (Swanke) and Dr. Frank Y. Dibble on December 31, 1947. They moved to Omaha, NE when Donald was about three years old. Donald loved playing baseball, football, and swimming at the Westside pool growing up. He attended Westside High School graduating from District 66 on 6/6/66, and then went on to get his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in January 1971.
As love stories go, Donald and Janet have one that could only be called destiny. They met in 1967 on a blind date and went to see the movie To Sir With Love and the rest is history.
Don and Jan married on August 28, 1970 in Council Bluffs, IA. They honeymooned in Colorado which has always remained a special getaway for them during their 53 year marriage.
Donald was drafted into the US Army in 1971. He always said it was the only lottery he ever won. He served as a clerk at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. While in Missouri, Donald and Janet welcomed their first child, Jennifer, in 1972.
When Don’s enlistment ended in 1973, the young family moved back to Omaha, NE. Back when small appliances were built to last, Donald started working for Sunbeam on 76th and Dodge in April 1973 as the branch manager. He remained there until Sunbeam closed in May 1985.
In September 1974 Donald and Janet bought a new construction home in Yutan, NE. As they settled into small town life, making life long friends along the way, they welcomed their second child, Brenda, in 1975, and their third child, Donald Jr, in 1978.
In September 1986 Donald began his career at HUD as a mortgage loan specialist before becoming a multi family specialist and subsequently a public housing specialist. He enjoyed government employment, but he really loved being able to carpool with Janet who also worked for HUD. While at HUD, Don was able to mentor several elementary students. He also spent time as a local union rep and EEO counselor.
In his spare time, he loved playing softball. His favorite team to play for being the one his dad sponsored, Central Optical. Donald also enjoyed gardening, military history, going to the shooting range, deer hunting, reading the Omaha World Herald every single day, traveling, and spending time with his family. He volunteered for several years as the Scout Master of the Boy Scouts of America and as youth baseball coach in Yutan, NE.
Don and Jan were able to travel around the world together. They have spent time traveling around the United States, Europe, and Asia. Don enjoyed all of the history and the different beers each place had to offer.
Donald retired from HUD in May 2014. He used his retirement years to travel more and spend even more time with his ever growing family making sure he was there to witness as many milestones and family events as possible. Don and Jan also had Friday night dinners with their friend group and wine time on their deck when weather permitted. He enjoyed feeding the birds that visited their yard, mostly because he knew how much Jan enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels. He was an active “Where’s George” bill stamper and tracker. Don and Jan were also able to travel more frequently and for longer amounts of time.
Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lillian Dibble; brother, Allan Dibble; grandson, Colin Dibble.
Donald is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Janet (Kern) Dibble; children: Jennifer (Lynn) Colter, Brenda (Jeremy) Ahlstrom, and Donald (Dana) Dibble Jr; siblings: Frank (Maria) Dibble, Dennis Dibble, and Karen (David) Ashby; grandchildren: Rachel (Cody) Murphy, Alexander Ahlstrom, Cody (Loran) Colter, Andrew (Melanie) Ahlstrom, Mia Dibble, Steven (Sarah) Sheikh-Ahlstrom, Morgan Ahlstrom, Sam Colter, Jackson Dibble, Brody Dibble, Dylan Dibble; great- grandchildren: Ava Ogborn, Raven Ogborn, Finan Ahlstrom, Lincoln Ahlstrom, and Avery Ahlstrom; many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
VISITATION: Wednesday, January 31, 5 to 7pm, at West Center Chapel.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Thursday, February 1, 10:30am, West Center Chapel.
GRAVESIDE: Thursday, February 1, 1:30pm, Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Rd.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Yutan Fire Department.
5 Comments
What an amazing tribute to a kind sweet man. I’m his sister, and I even learned a few things! He lived a good full life. I remember asking him, when I was an adult, if I bored him with my frequent letters while he was in boot camp. They must have been so generic, when a ten year old is writing to you. In his true kind fashion, he told me they made his day, because it was enjoyable to hear your last name mentioned when there was mail call. He said it also gave him something tangible from home. I think that describes him very well. Kind and appreciate. He will surely be missed.
Sending love and prayers as Don transitions from this life to the next. I had to the oppurtunity to work with him for a few years at the Omaha HUD office and have only fond memories. He was a steady, comforting presence with a wealth of knowledge he was always willing to share.
What a guy Donald was! Very kind, a gentleman for sure. He was my cousin and a will miss him so much. RIP❤️
My cousin, Donald Dibble, was a great guy. He was patient and kind. RIP Prayers of comfort for Donald’s family.
So sorry for your loss.
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