Dale Lee Rigby, 85, of Crete, passed away in Lincoln on Aug. 12, 2025. He was born on a farm in rural Fillmore County on Oct. 15, 1939, to Gerald Fine Rigby and Josie Lena Mussman, the fourth of six children.
He attended Western Public Schools through ninth grade, graduating from Crete High School in 1957. In 1958, Dale joined the U.S. Navy, reporting to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia and serving aboard the USS Intrepid (CVA-11) as a Captain’s Yeoman. He attained the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class, was honorably discharged from active duty in 1960, and completed his reserve service in 1963.
Dale met the love of his life, Beverly Jean Yost, on Christmas Eve 1960. They were married Dec. 9, 1961, and together raised three children, Douglas, Cindy and Julie. Dale worked in banking at City Bank & Trust Co., before joining Nebraska State Bank in Western in 1984, where he remained until retirement. In small-town banking, Dale’s customers were either friends or soon became friends. He found joy in helping them fulfill their dreams of a first home, a forever home, opening or expanding their business, or just getting through a tough time. Banking was what he did. His commitment to helping others is what defined who he was.
An avid outdoorsman, Dale cherished time spent hunting, especially with his loyal Brittanys. He took pride in his large vegetable gardens, enjoyed camping and fishing, listening to classic country music and was always up for a game of cards.
A proud veteran, he was a longtime member and past commander of Crete VFW Post 4959, a member of the Eagles Club and Disabled American Veterans.
Above all, Dale was proud of his family. Celebrating his and Bev’s 50th wedding anniversary was a treasured milestone. Dale was his children’s biggest supporter, walking beside them through life’s ups and downs with steady encouragement and unconditional love. He treasured every gathering, whether it was a simple meal at home or a trip on the road. Some of his fondest memories were traveling with Bev to Wyoming for Doug’s football games, and later, proudly sitting in the stands or audience at his grandchildren’s activities.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 54 years, Beverly; son-in-law, Chris Edwards; and sister, Betty Ivins.
Dale is survived by his children, Doug (Laura) Rigby of Evanston, Wyoming; Cindy (Tim) Reckling and Julie (Eric) Rasgorshek, all of Crete; grandchildren, Brock and Abbie Rigby, Sam, Ethan, and Marin Rasgorshek; step-grandchildren, Garrett (Lillie), Grant (Morgan), Foster, and Carter Reckling; six step-great-grandchildren; sisters Verlamae Winte of Henderson, Nevada, Maxine Patterson of Morrisonville, New York, and Shirley (Boyd) Timmons of Wichita, Kansas; brother, Larry (Donna) Rigby of Lincoln; special friend Marilyn Rosenbaum, Omaha; and his beloved dog, Lexi.
Visitation will be 5 – 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at United Church of Christ First Congregational in Crete with interment at Crete Riverside Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested in care of the family for future designation, in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete
