Dale Robert Kai, 90, of South Sioux City, NE, passed away on Friday, October 15, 2021, at Regency Square in South Sioux City, NE. The visitation will be on Monday, October 18, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender. Burial will be in St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in Pender. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender.
Dale was born on February 11, 1931, to John and Edith (Case) Kai in Pender, NE. He was baptized and later confirmed at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender. Dale attended grade school at District #31. He was united in marriage to Elaine Simonsen. Together they lived and farmed near Pender and raised three children, Rick, Lori, and Lisa. Dale custom trucked and loved working side by side with Rick. Dale moved to South Sioux City with Agnus Deal and they have been together for 27 years. They enjoyed dancing and going to the “Youth” Center, the name Dale gave the Senior Center. Dale loved going to garage sales, auctions, and working on lawnmowers. He always had a story to tell others.
Dale is survived by his two daughters, Lori (Mike) Dickes of Wayne, NE, and Lisa (Robert) Hanson of Neligh, NE; daughter-in-law, Mary Kay Tonjes of Pender, NE; grandchildren, Heidi (Greg) Freivogel, Heath Dickes, Laura (Matt) Parks, Brandon (Rochelle) Kai; step-grandchildren, Tonya Lundahl, Scott Lundahl, Eric Lundahl; 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Charlotte Roth; sister-in-law, Diann Kai; and special friend Agnus Deal.
Dale is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elaine; four children, infant son, Dennis Dale, infant daughter, Sandra Sue, infant boy Kai, and Rick Kai; granddaughter, Courtney; great-grandson, Klayton; brothers, Jack Kai and Bill Kai; sisters, Bonnie (Gordon) Simonsen, Phyllis (Emery) Breitbarth and Charlene Kai.
