David Lovewell, Age 71

David Stephen Lovewell, age 71, of Superior, Nebraska, died November 19, 2016 at Brodstone Memorial Hospital, after a long illness. He was born May 4, 1945, to Mary Jane Lovewell, in Omaha, Nebraska, and was raised by his grandparents, Alta and Stephen Lovewell of rural Lovewell, Kansas. He attended Lovewell Schools through his junior year, graduating from Republic High School in 1963.

After high school, he worked for local aerial crop sprayers, Clifford Grove and Jay Conger, eventually leading him to Minden. He attended Kearney State College for two years before joining the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam Conflict, serving for two and half years. A recipient of the Purple Heart, he was discharged from Camp Pendleton, California, on June 5, 1968.

While in Minden, he met his future wife, Donna Lea Chase. They married June 20, 1970 in Minden. The Runt and Marie Nelson family of Minden always treated him like family, and Marie was very influential to him, encouraging him to go back and finish college. In 1972, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in History and Political Science. He taught English and Social Studies for two years to the Lewellen Junior High School. Thinking himself a better learner than a teacher, David grew with experience in Dirt Construction and Contracting. Dave and Donna moved back to Superior in 1976 and he started working for Donald Dunn. In 1986, he became the proprietor of Lovewell Construction, of Superior, Nebraska.

For forty years Dave worked a job he loved, running heavy equipment with his dozer being "his happy place." David and Donna adopted Amanda "Mandy" Marie Lovewell, born June 4, 1978, to complete their family circle. David, was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Superior, for thirty-five years. He had served many years on the church council or as president until its closing. He is currently a member of the Salem Lutheran Church, North Superior.

David was a member of The American Legion Post 94, Minden, Ne., and in Superior, he was a member of the Elks Lodge #2197; the Eternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 3101; and a lifetime member of VFW, Post 3335. He was a current member of the 1st Battalion 4th Marines Association, and the Nebraska Land Improvement Contractors Association.

David was known for being a kind, caring, giving man and with his witty dry sense of humor, he was always ready with a quick, clever remark. David's philosophy included being a "real" person and lived by: "What would Jesus say or do?" His favorite scriptures he lived by were, Matthew 25:40, Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me, and Matthew 20:16, The first shall be last and the last first. Dave enjoyed getting together with his Marine Corps buddies at annual 1st Battalion 4th Marines Association Reunions held in various states through the years. In June of 2002 Dave and many of his Vietnam Marine buddies made a return trip to Vietnam. He loved his Marine buddies and they have formed a strong brotherly bond through the years.

He was preceded in death by his mother, grandparents, half-brothers, Ray and John Hurd, and stepfather, Hollis Hurd.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Donna of Superior; daughter, Amanda "Mandy" Lovewell of Hastings, and his half-sister, Jenny Lee (Hurd) Reed and husband, Glenn of Holyrood, Kansas. Aunts, Rhoda Lovewell, Gallatin, Mo, and Miriam Simons, Morrowville, KS. He is also survived by nieces,nephews, and a host of family and friends.

Memorial Services with Military Honors at: Salem Lutheran Church, Superior, Nebraska

Time of Service: Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 10:30 am

Clergy: Pastor Kathryn Bates & Irvin Schleufer, PMA

Inurnment at 1:30 PM: Evergreen Cemetery, Superior, Nebraska; and a portion of his cremains will be scattered at the family farm, rural Lovewell, Jewell County, Kansas, via US Marines vets.

Memorials to: Salem Lutheran Church

Book Signing: From 9-4 on Wednesday and Thursday and 9-8 on Friday at the Funeral Home

Funeral Home: Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 Phone 402-879-3900

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