Farmer, former Game and Parks Commissioner Dan Wallen dies at 58

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Dan Wallen

LINCOLN -- Daniel Wallen, 58, of McCook, who served a five-year term as a member of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, died Dec. 2 at Kindred Hospital in Houston, Texas, following a short illness.

Wallen owned and operated a farm with his brother, Tim, near McCook. A native Nebraskan and graduate of the University of Nebraska, Wallen was appointed to the Commission by Gov. Ben Nelson and served in that capacity from Jan. 28, 1995 through Jan. 15, 2000.

"Dan was an outstanding Commissioner. He grew up hunting and fishing in Nebraska and wanted to do his part to preserve that heritage for future generations," said Commission Director Rex Amack.

Conservation Officer Virgil Gosch said Wallen was one of the first people he met after being assigned to the McCook area some 28 years ago. He called Wallen a remarkable sportsman as well as a very knowledgeable agri-businessman who did justice to both points of view. "I have the utmost respect for him. He always gave considerable support to the conservation officers in his area."

Wallen's survivors include his wife, Kathy, a son and daughter. Services are pending.

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I moved to McCook my senior year, so only knew Dan for who Dan was, and not where he came. He was a person who really cared, was honest, and had a kind of hidden sense of humor. I can still remember slidding all of our chairs to the front of the classroom before our math teacher turned around and bumped into Dan's chair and about fell over it. There were other times when Dan was there, and consoled me, and I'm sure others too. I was always a little jealous of Dan's charactor and integrity. That came from his surroundings and background I'm sure. I respected who he was, and how he did things, and hope that I can continue to lead my life like he lead his...Dan, thanks. Lynn Peterson Omaha, Nebr.

-- Posted by Lynn7Ginny@cox.net on Wed, Dec 10, 2008, at 7:20 PM

very sorry to hear of dans passing on. he was a friend and a neighbor fatmer of mine dan was a person of high charactor and i am sure he will be missed by all.

-- Posted by nebraskaadmiral on Fri, Dec 5, 2008, at 2:53 PM

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