David Eugene Walahoski was born on February 23, 1936, near Comstock, Nebraska to Jake and Martha (Swanek) Walahoski.  He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on March 16, 2025, in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 89 years and 21 days.

Dave grew up on a farm and attended elementary school in rural Valley County Nebraska and later Ord High School. After finishing school he worked as a farm hand and at the local Ford dealership in Ord.  Dave was united in marriage to Lorraine Welniak on February 8, 1955 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Elyria, Nebraska. The couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary earlier this year.  Their marriage was blessed with three children, Becky, Dave and Christi, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. After marriage, he began work at the local Safeway grocery store, and progressed into management, working at several store locations in eastern Nebraska. In 1969, Dave went to work as a truck driver for Walnut Grove and moved his family to Newman Grove.  In 1974, he started driving grain and fuel transport for the Farmers Co-op in Newman Grove, where he retired after 24 years of service. Following his retirement, he started a second career, joining Lorraine as a school bus driver for the Newman Grove public schools, where he quickly became a popular favorite with the many students and staff that he transported to school and activities for over 20 years.  In addition to his strong connection to the local school, Dave was very active in other aspects of the community, serving on the city council, volunteer fire department, and working as a part time police officer.  He served as mayor of Newman Grove for over 15 years.

Dave loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and was always there to offer love, support, counsel or just making them smile or laugh.  He was incredibly generous with his time and always was the first to pick up the check.  He was a master of "dad jokes" before the term even existed. When he wasn't spending time with family, on the road with the truck or bus, or having coffee with the NG Bowl gang, you could probably find him tinkering in his workshop or working around the yard.  He had a great knack for fixing anything.  He was a self-taught, but skilled, carpenter, plumber, electrician, landscaper, mechanic and all around handyman.   He completed many home improvement projects over the years.  He enjoyed playing cards, country music, watching Husker football and volleyball and would never pass up a good western movie on television.   Dave and Lorraine moved to Seward in 2021 to be closer to family.  He made many new friends at the Kinship and Ridgewood communities where they resided.  He referred to them as his new family.  Dave was truly one of the good guys, loved and respected by all those he met.  He had a great and fulfilling life, and will be missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Dolores Chalupa and Catherine Johnson and a brother, Ray who died in infancy.

Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife of over 70 years, Lorraine Walahoski of Seward, NE; children and spouses, Becky (Ted) Tinker of Lincoln, NE, Dave (Judy) Walahoski of Loudon, TN, Christi (Bob) ten Bensel of Seward, NE; grandchildren and spouses, Matthew (Stacy) Soward of Columbus, NE, Levi (Karen) Soward of Lincoln, NE, Jake Walahoski of Augusta, GA, Jared (Rachel) Walahoski of Fayetteville, GA, Drew ten Bensel of Seward, NE, Cailin ten Bensel (Zach Johnson) of Kansas City, KS; step-grandchildren Mike (Kathy) Tinker of Pierce, NE, Bob Tinker of North Platte NE, Carrie (Dana) Moore of Battle Creek, NE, great-grandchildren, Ethan, Brandon, Connor, Camden, and Reese and step-great-grandchildren Sarah and Abby.