Interment was held at Ash Hollow Cemetery in Lewellen. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in Dallas’s honor may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or to the family to be designated at a later time. Online condolences may be made by viewing Dallas’s memorial page at www. bridgmanfuneralhome.com.

Dallas Lee Lake was born in Oshkosh, NE, August 21, 1936, to Harold and Irene (Pebley) Lake. Dallas was the youngest of his siblings, Dean, Martin and Betty.

He was raised on the family farm north of Oshkosh where he learned to enjoy and respect the rich living of life of earning a living through farming and ranching.

Dallas attended country school and was the only one his age, so was advanced to a higher grade, leading to his graduation from Oshkosh High School at age 16. Dallas met the love of his life in 1954 when he graciously changed her flat tire, and they later married on August 24, 1958.

The enduring commitment to each other through all life and the life of farming and ranching brings, remained remarkable. Dallas’ finest love messages were mostly shown, but many times were left on the back of a random envelope for his beloved “Pud.”

Dallas and Sharolyn raised three daughters,Tamie, Donelle and Crystal, and the “Post boys” would confirm they, too, benefited from Dallas’ lessons and insights.

The family moved to “the meadow” at Bridgeport in 1960 to farm for Dr. G.P Post and his father, George A. Post.This allowed for eventual growth of his own cattle herd and purchase of the “Milanuk” farm in 1975.

Dallas made great improvements to the farmland and eventually was so proud to place a pivot on his property.

Over the years, Dallas grew a great cattle herd, and crops of corn, alfalfa, meadow hay, oats and wheat. He used “farmer’s ingenuity” often with his trusty pliers, shovel, baling wire, etc. while maintaining tractors, tending to ditches and irrigation (“thooping” so many tubes), fencing and cattle care.

Dallas had a love of good dogs and a love for horses. He loved to hunt for and observe wildlife. Most recently, he enjoyed watching the birds visiting his bird feeder.

Dallas clenched his jaw on occasion with a strongwilled horse, cow or maybe human… but mostly his calm determined demeanor carried him through any relationship. Through grit and determination, faith and belief in self, family and situation, Dallas envisioned and brought to reality the success of their farm and ranch.Their farm is “free and clear,” and theirs. Dallas was one of the few remaining “small family- owned” farms.

Dallas served on the Morrill County Sheriff’s Posse for most of the time he lived in Bridgeport. He also served for years on the Morrill County Fair Committee, judged boxing for the Golden Gloves and was a member of the Ditch Board. He was a mainstay in the community of Bridgeport for years; people have appreciated his presence and waves hello as he took care of business around town.

Dallas suffered a heart attack in 2007, that led to an extended stay in Loveland, which led to his eventual return to his ability to live and do the things he loved. For the medical care that gave him extra time with us, we are forever grateful.

Dallas will remembered as a pillar, cornerstone, as “salt of the earth”—the best of society, who had a positive impact and influence on those around, one of great kindness, reliability and honesty. Dallas’ salt of life lived will not lose its flavor, as all of his family and relationships built will maintain the “saltiness” through our lives lived, as he so richly flavored ours.

Dallas is survived by his wife Sharolyn; daughters and families Tamie Grauberger (the late Don Grauberger), Britni and Eric Schmaltz (Cambree, Kinlee, Cutler Dallas), Lindsay and Kevin Buck (Hazel, Blair, Wesley Dallas); Donelle and son-in-law John Pankowski, Bethany and Danny Ehrich (Barrett,Teagan, Ryker, Koi Dallas), Emily and Braden Hubert (Brinley,Weston, Hadlee Dallas),Wyatt and Brittany Pankowski (Nash); and Crystal Leach (the late Kent Leach), Courtney and Brodie Miklos, Madeline and Kaylee Leach; nephews and nieces: Diana Stevens, Jason, Paul and John Post, Maureen Stahr; Ron and John Lake, Patsy Peters and Deb Conklin; Dan and Marty Ring and Jan Brandenburg; Sherry Knott, Kim Bartling, Kenneth and Douglas Thiel; lifelong friend Jack Vincent; “honorary” family member Tracy Collins, and many neighbors.

Preceding him in death were his parents Harold and Irene; brothers Dean Lake (Delores) and Martin; sister Betty Ring (Vergil); in-laws Dr. George P. and Emory Post, and Lois and Don Thiel; sons-in-law Don Grauberger and Kent Leach; nephew Tim Post; great-nephews Lucas Stahr and Donny Thiel.