Dale John Keeney

Dale John Keeney, age 88, of Trenton, NE passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025 at Hillcrest Caring Center in McCook, NE.

Dale was born August 28, 1936 in Trenton to parents Michael John and Frances (Janousek) Keeney. He was one of four children who grew up in Trenton. While in high school, Dale participated in track and field. He graduated from Trenton High School in 1954. Following high school, Dale joined the National Guard for two years.

Dale was a lifelong farmer and rancher. His passion for farming and cattle began at the young age of eight following the unexpected loss of his father. At age sixteen, Dale was buying and selling cattle for his family. When economic times were hard, Dale and “brother Jim” headed south to Oklahoma to custom cut wheat to make a living. Alongside his love of cattle and farming, Dale had a strong work ethic. On June 18, 1982, Dale married Norma K (Jass) Keeney in Denver, CO and the couple began their life together on the farm.

Outside of farming, Dale served as the Hitchcock County Commissioner from the late 1990’s to the early 2000s. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Trenton and enjoyed attending horse races and watching the Denver Broncos.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Frances Keeney; brother, James Keeney; sisters, Eileen (Martel) Schroeder and Mary (Charles) Vrbas; and longtime ranch hand, Scott Grafel.

Those left to celebrate his life include his wife, Norma Keeney of McCook, NE; stepdaughters, Joleen (Tim) Bradley of McCook, NE and Sherrie Robbins of Omaha, NE; seven grandchildren, Jackie (Kentfield) Kiobasa, Brandon and Brett Robbins, Sarah, Courtney and Ben Bradley and Rachel (Bradley) Gochneaur; four great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. James Catholic Church, PO Box 488, Trenton, NE 69044.

Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7pm on Friday, April 11, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church in Trenton, NE with Father Gary Brethour as Celebrant.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church in Trenton, NE with Father Gary Brethour as Celebrant.

Burial will follow in the Trenton Cemetery.