Daniel Joseph Wallen

Daniel Joseph Wallen of McCook, died December 2, 2008 at Kindred Hospital in Houston, Texas after a short but valiant fight with cancer. He was 57 years old.

On January 4, 1951 he was born in McCook to Robert L. and Carollee G. (Franklin) Wallen. He graduated from McCook High School in 1969, McCook Junior College in 1971, and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1973.

Dan married Kathy Abbey in McCook on April 6, 1974. They had two children, Kelli and Brett.

Dan was a member of the Memorial United Methodist Church. He enjoyed farming with his brother Tim, who was also his best friend. They owned and operated a fourth generation farm along with their father Bob. Dan was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer, and Bison and Husker fan. He served on the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, and was Chairman of the Red Willow County Zoning Board. Dan was Class President and Representative for his McCook High School class of 1969.

Preceding him in death were his grandparents, Lynn and Alice Wallen of McCook and Joe and Jean Franklin of Omaha.

Survivors include: his wife Kathy of McCook; a daughter Kelli and husband Brandon Saul of Orlando, Florida; a son Brett Wallen of Kearney; his parents, Robert and Carollee Wallen, brother Tim and wife Phyllis Wallen all of McCook; a sister Lynda Wallen and husband Dennis Stewart of San Antonio, Texas; nephews and nieces, Bryan Taylor, Chris Wallen, Nichole Wallen, Sean Abbey, Jennifer Abbey, and Chelsee Abbey; inlaws, Don and Delores Abbey of McCook; and many, many friends.

Memorial services were Friday, December 12th at 11 a.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook with Rev. Dr. Jeff Thurman officiating. Inurnment took place at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials were to be given in his name.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook was in charge of the arrangements.