Dale Edward Friehe October 31, 1938 ~ June 16, 2026

 Dale Edward Friehe, 87, of McCook, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026.  Dale was born on October 31, 1938, to Edward Carl and Edna Mae (Cross) Friehe. He grew up on the family farm near Culbertson, where he developed a lifelong love for agriculture and livestock. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Culbertson.  As a youth, Dale was a member of the Twin Valley 4-H Club and showed many award-winning cattle. He contracted polio at a young age, and during his recovery he developed a love for working puzzles, a hobby he enjoyed throughout his life. In his later years, he took great pride in framing many of the puzzles he completed.  One of Dale’s most remarkable gifts was his extraordinary memory. He could recount people, places, and events from long ago with incredible detail, often sharing stories from his childhood and farming days. Whether recalling where neighbors lived, family histories, or community happenings, Dale’s memories preserved a rich piece of local history for those around him.   Dale graduated from Culbertson High School in 1957. Following graduation, he began farming and ranching alongside his family in Hitchcock County, dedicating his life to the land and the agricultural way of life he cherished.  On August 1, 1978, Dale married his high school sweetheart, Catherine Ann Crocker. Together they made their home in McCook. Dale especially enjoyed attending the Denver Stock Show, a tradition he looked forward to nearly every year.  Following Catherine’s passing from cancer in 1992, Dale continued farming until his retirement in the early 2000’s.  Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Carl and Edna Mae Friehe; his beloved wife, “Kathy” (Catherine) Friehe; his sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Dave Nickerson; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tony and Lila Crocker; and his brother-in-law, Donald Crocker.  He is survived by his brother, Francis (Jackie) Friehe of Culbertson, Nebraska; his sister, Anita Friehe of La Vista, Nebraska; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom will cherish his memory.  Dale will be remembered for his dedication to farming and ranching, his love of livestock and the strong values he carried throughout his life.  Graveside services will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Calvary Cemetery in McCook, Nebraska. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life luncheon to follow.  Memorials are suggested to the family of Dale Friehe for future designation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.