Dale LeRoy Softley, 84
In Loving Memory of Dale LeRoy Softley, born October 8th, 1940, to Dwight and Ruth (Reams) Softley. He passed away after being treated for several years for prostate cancer on August 22, 2025, in Lincoln Nebraska. He was 84 years old. He grew up on the farm just outside of Grant, Nebraska where he learned the love of nature and the value of hard work. He graduated from Perkins County high school where he made many lifelong friends. He was active in FFA as well as Rural Youth. Many Saturday nights were spent roller-skating and enjoying the freedom of the open road.
He briefly attended community college in Milford and later enrolled at The University of Nebraska, where his love of learning led to his passion of agriculture and science. While on East campus at UNL, Dale met the love of his life Kay Cook, and after a brief courtship, they became engaged and married on December 27, 1963, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, learning and shared purpose.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy in 1966 and later picked up a teaching endorsement. He balanced both teaching and farming for many years, and his love of agriculture eventually evolved into agricultural consulting. In 1978, Dale became a Certified Professional Agronomist and later ventured into forensic agronomy as co-owners of S-Arrow Consulting with Kay.
Dale’s greatest pride was his family. He was a proud and devoted father to his children Judeen and BD, and a guiding presence in their lives.
This joy was amplified with the addition of grandchildren, Syrah, Katie, Kierin and Grant. Grandpa Dale never missed an opportunity to spend time with the grandchildren to celebrate their accomplishments and to share with them the lessons of science and nature.
A man of quiet service, Dale gave back to his community through church involvement, Lions Club, Ham radio, storm spotting, and Civil Air Patrol search and rescue.
Dale is preceded in death by his parents Dwight and Ruth Softley. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kay Softley; daughter, Judeen and son-in-law Blair Andrews of Omaha; son, BD and daughter-in-law Laura Softley; Grandchildren Syrah and Kierin Andrews and Katie and Grant Softley; and brother and sister-in- law Don and Kay Softley of Grant NE, and cousin Bea Softley Peterson. Along with many cherished family and great friends.
A Celebration of Dale’s Life will be held at a later date. In honor of his service and values, donated glasses and hearing aids will be collected for the Lions Club. Memorial funds will support a prostate cancer education program for rural Nebraska men through the University of Nebraska Medical Center.