Delbert "Del" Hussey

 

Delbert (Del) Edwin Hussey, 86, passed away peacefully at his home south of Chadron on September 6, 2023.

 

Del was born to Lloyd and Eva (Mann) Hussey on August 28, 1937 in Chadron, NE and grew up on a ranch 20 miles south of town. He attended Table Center rural school and graduated from Chadron High School in 1955. Del married his high school sweetheart Aletta Schmechel of Whitney, NE on June 14, 1956. Shortly after, they moved to Weston, WY where he worked on a 160-section ranch 60 miles north of Gillette, WY. To this union, two daughters were born, Deborah Dee and Cindy Rania.

 

Later in 1961, the family moved back to Chadron where he worked on a ranch north of town. In 1964 Del moved his family to town and enrolled at Chadron State College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Education in 1967. He taught business courses at Chadron High School for two years before spending the next 33 years assisting students at Chadron State College. In 1972, Del also earned a Masters of Science in Business Education.

 

Delbert began his career at CSC as the Director of Financial Aid, for 25 years he helped numerous students achieve their educational goals. In 1994, he developed and served as Director of the Cooperative Education and Internship program. While in this position for 8 years, Del was fortunate to renew acquaintances with many of the former students, who by then were managing businesses and agencies that hosted the interns. He retired from CSC in the fall of 2002.

 

One year prior to his retirement, in 2001, Del and Aletta moved south of Chadron, near Chadron State Park. They were fortunate to purchase the land that Delbert's great-great grandfather homesteaded in 1884. His love for the outdoors kept him active and he immediately named his new home, "critter country" because of the wildlife.

 

Del served on the boards of the Chadron Public Schools Foundation, the CSC Alumni Association, and the Chadron Federal Credit Union. He participated in Ride the Ridge for many years because of his love for horseback riding. Del and Aletta were actively involved and sponsored events within the Dawes County 4-H programs because they followed the progress and success of the participants. The Hussey's received the CSC Family Tree Award in 2005 due to the many generations that attended Chadron State College. In 2014, The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation Good Neighbor Award was presented to Del and Aletta because they enjoyed helping friends. Delbert was involved in setting up Bluebirds Across NE at Chadron State Park in order to establish bluebirds in northwest NE. Several bluebird houses are present on the trails within the park. He participated in the preparation of the Thursday night suppers at the American Legion and was very proud of his job, peeling potatoes. He was a long-time member of Grace Episcopal Church because his faith was very important to him. He enjoyed starting the wood stove for coffee hour prior to the service because of the wonderful visits he had with friends during this fellowship.

 

Del had many hobbies which included hiking, camping, fishing, reading, and horseback riding. He was always excited to receive a phone call from friends asking him to move cattle or any activity that allowed him to help others.

 

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Aletta; daughter Cindy Everett; granddaughters Shawna (Scott) Bolejack and Nicole (Justin) Thompson; grandson Travis (Shayla) White; brother Fred (Frances) Hussey; many cousins, nieces, nephews; six great-grandchildren; and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah Dee White.

 

A Service in Celebration and Thanksgiving for the Life of Delbert will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Chadron on September 12, 2023 at 10:00 am with Dr. Russ Seger officiating. Inurnment will be at Greenwood Cemetery followed by a lunch at the church.

 

A memorial has been established for the Chadron Public Schools Foundation or the Hussey Family Memorial Scholarship at Chadron State Foundation.  Flowers and Donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain Chapel, P.O. Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337
and online condolences may be left at www.chamberlainchapel.com