Dana K. Udey

Dana K. Udey, 77, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Good Samaritan Society - Osceola, Nebraska.

The funeral service will be Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus with Rev. Cory Burma officiating.  Private family interment will be at a later date in the Swedehome Cemetery, Swedehome, Nebraska.  Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the service time at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Peace Lutheran Church.  Military honors will be given at the church by the American Legion Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard.  The funeral service will be broadcast live on Peace Lutheran Youtube page at https://www.youtube.com/PeaceColumbus.

Dana Kaye Udey was born May 30, 1948, to Donald and Norma (Petersen) Udey.  He graduated from Plainview High School and graduated from Wayne State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.  On May 23, 1969, Dana enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.  He was honorably discharged on May 22, 1973, and served two more years in the Air Force Reserve.

Dana was a faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church.  It was while a member of Peace Lutheran Singles Group that Dana met Joyce Wittmann.  The two were united in marriage on October 30, 1982, at Peace.  To this union, two daughters were born, Ruth and Amanda.

Dana spent 27 years with the Platte County Sheriff's Office as a correctional officer at the county jail.  He was the administrator for 4.5 years during this time.  Dana was a 32-year member of the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department,  volunteered for a number of years at the Emerson Public School Library and in his retirement, worked part time at Gass Haney Funeral Home.  He enjoyed Legos, Jig Saw Puzzles, and had the gift of visiting with anyone.  Dana knew no stranger.

Dana is survived by:
Daughter – Ruth (John) Harding of Livermore, CA
Grandchildren – Emma, Allison and Joanna
Daughter – Amanda (Jonathan) Brunott of Columbus, NE
Grandchildren – Avy, Lila, Liv, and Maren
Brother – David (Janelle) Udey of Osceola, NE
Sister-in-law – Penny Udey of Osceola, NE

Dana was preceded in death by:
Parents – Donald and Norma Udey
Wife – Joyce Udey
Brother – Mark Udey