Dwaine W. Van Pelt

Dwaine W. Van Pelt, 90, of Archer, died on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Merrick Medical Center in Central City. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 10, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Central City with Rev. Tom Lucas officiating and Dwaine’s grandson, Rev. Sam Krug assisting. Visitation will be on Sunday, May 9th from 5-7 p.m. at Solt-Wagner Funeral Home in Central City. Interment will be held at the Central City Cemetery. At the family’s request, it is recommended that masks be worn. In lieu of flowers the family would like the memorials suggested to Archer Memorial Park, Central City United Methodist Church or to the family to be used for future community educational purposes. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com. Dwaine W. Van Pelt was born on August 2, 1930 in Archer, to Leonard and Vera Van Pelt. He grew up on the family farm near Archer. He attended the local country school, District 43, commonly known as “Stove Poker” school. He graduated from Archer High School in 1948. He enrolled at the University of Nebraska that fall. He graduated from the University in August of 1952 with a BS in Education and a commission in the US Infantry. Dwaine enlisted in the U.S. Army October 2, 1952 at Fort Benning, GA. He graduated from Basic Infantry Officers School in May 1953 and enrolled in Parachute Jump School immediately at Fort Benning. He graduated from “Jump School” and then enrolled in Jump Master Advanced training the summer of 1953. In the fall of 1953 he was transferred to Fort Campbell, KY and joined the 11th Airborne Infantry Division. In February of 1954, Dwaine was transferred to Korea. He served in the 2nd Division while they were deployed, along the 38th parallel between South and North Korea. The 2nd Division was reassigned to its home base in Seattle. Dwaine was reassigned to I Corps Headquarters in the Intelligence G-4 Order of Battle. His tour of duty expired in March. Dwaine was discharged from his tour of duty from Colorado Springs, CO. He then returned to the Archer area to begin his farming experience in 1955. Dwaine married Marian Anderson on February 11, 1954 in Grand Island, NE. They made their home in the Archer area. Marian passed away on March 28, 1965. On June of 1967, Dwaine married Carmen Dean in Loveland, Colorado. They made their home in the Archer area. Dwaine farmed for many years in the Archer and Central City area. He was also extremely active in his community. He was on the Archer District 19 School Board, the Central City School Board from 1967-1978, as well as the Nebraska State School Board. He was part of the Central City Rural Fire Board, Archer Credit Union Board for 31 years, and held many positions at the Archer and Central City United Methodist Churches. Dwaine also, was on the Central City Jaycees, American Legion Post #6, was a Cub Scout Leader, and initiated the Youth for Understanding Exchange Student Program in the local area. In 1968 they welcomed to their family, Matthias Mascher from Germany. One of his many accomplishments that he was very proud of was being chosen as the Republican Nonpareil Farmer of the Year. He was also the Chairman of the Merrick County Democratic Party, as well as being a member of the Nebraska State Democratic Party for many years. Dwaine was an avid sports fan, especially the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and St. Louis Cardinals. He also enjoyed his garden, orchard, and bird watching. He always saw the good side in everyone and was especially a kind and caring person. His greatest loves were getting to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved his grandchildren and children in general so much, he started a mini petting zoo on their farm and gave many rides around the orchard on his gator. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife; Carmen of Archer, his children; Sue (Norm) Krug of Chapman, Anne (David) Gillespie of Lincoln, David (Melanie) Van Pelt of Lincoln, Doug (Donnette) Van Pelt of Central City, Daniel (Tonya) Van Pelt of Grand Island, Carol Van Pelt of Colorado Springs, CO, and Robin Glisson of Knoxville, TN, his siblings; Rhoda Seiler of Axtell, Judy Anderson of Axtell, Nora Lindner of Central City, Sharlene Reise of Grand Island, and Steve Van Pelt of Archer, his sister-in-law; Norma Van Pelt of Central City, 26 grandchildren, and 35 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; Leonard and Vera Van Pelt, his first wife; Marian, two infant children; Beth Louise and Thomas Leonard Van Pelt, his son; Alan Van Pelt, his grandson; Dylan Dwaine Van Pelt, his brothers; DeWitt Van Pelt and Roger Van Pelt, and sister; Betty Duncan.

Dwaine W. Van Pelt

August 2, 1930 - May 5, 2021