A Service in Celebration and Thanksgiving for the life of 86-year old Delbert “Del” Hussey of Chadron, NE, are Tuesday, Sept 12, 2023 at 10:00 at Grace Episcopal Church in Chadron with Dr. Russ Seger officiating.
Inurnment follows at the Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron
Memorials may be made in Del’s name to the Chadron Public Schools Foundation or the Hussey Family Memorial Scholarship at Chadron State Foundation. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, P.O. Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.
Online condolences may be left at www.chamberlainchapel.com
Delbert Edwin Hussey was born on August 28, 1937, in Chadron to Lloyd and Eva (Mann) Hussey. He passed away peacefully at his home south of Chadron on September 6, 2023.
Del grew up on a ranch 20 miles south of Chadron, attended Table Center rural school, and graduated from Chadron High School in 1955.
He married his high school sweetheart Aletta Schmechel of Whitney, NE on June 14, 1956, and they soon moved to Weston, Wy where he worked on a 160-section ranch 60 miles north of Gillette, WY. To this union were born two daughters: Deborah Dee and Cindy Rania.
The family moved back to Chadron in 1961 with Del working on a ranch north of town. He moved the family to town in 1964, enrolled at Chadron State College, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Education in 1967. He added a Masters of Science in Business Education degree in 1972.
Del taught business courses at Chadron High School for two years, then spent the next 33 years assisting students at Chadron State College. His first 25 years at CSC were as Director of Financial Aid, where he helped numerous students achieve their educational goals.
In 1994, Del developed and served as Director of the Cooperative Education and Internship program at CSC. While in this position, he was able to renew acquaintances with many of the former students he’d assisted with financial aid, who by then were managing the businesses and agencies that hosted the interns.
Del retired from CSC in the fall of 2002, but in 2001 he and Aletta moved south of Chadron to near Chadron State Park where they’d been fortunate enough to purchase the land that Delbert’s great-great-grandfather had 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 as a member of the Outriders 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 Husseys received the Chadron State College Family Tree Award in 2005 in recognition of the many generations that attended CSC.
Del and Aletta were presented with the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation Good Neighbor Award in 2014 because they enjoyed helping friends.
Del was involved in bringing the Bluebirds Across Nebraska program to Chadron State Park to establish bluebirds in northwest Nebraska.. Several bluebird houses are still present on the trails within the park.
Del participated in the preparation of the Thursday night suppers at the American Legion for many years 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.
Del is survived by Aletta – his wife of 67 years; daughter Cindy Everett; granddaughters Shawna (Scott) Bolejack and Nicole (Justin) Thompson; grandson Travis (Shayla) White; six great-grandchildren; brother Fred (Frances) Hussey; many cousins, nieces, nephews; and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Deborah Dee.
Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron is in charge of arrangements for Del Hussey.
Great man, friend and helper of people. He will be missed. Just think of the students he helped to get through CSC.
Del went beyond his duties as financial aide director. I worked one year after graduating from high school and decided at the last minute to attend CSC. Del called my home after work hours and had papers I needed to sign to receive a college loan. He even offered to bring the papers to my home to have them signed so I wouldn’t miss the deadline. I also had the privilege to have classes under him in high school. Del always recognized me and would stop and exchange a few words. He will be missed!
I doubt anyone can claim more successful college graduates than Del. He was always there to help a student finish a degree.
A wonderful friend too.
Del took time to visit whenever he saw me on campus or in Chadron. Talking with Del always brightened my day. I admired him — as does everyone lucky enough to know him — and, after reading of his many acts of kindness and care for others, I admire him even more. Thank you, Del.
Claudia Lindley (formerly Claudia Cartwright).
I will be forever grateful for Del’s friendly, approachable personality in overseeing my financial aid while at Chadron State College. Because of his assistance, I was able to get both my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees.
Had the honor of working for Del and Aletta a number of times. His love for trees and animals and all nature made him a great steward of the land. Love and prayers to all ❤️
He was one of the good guys for sure…..He and Aletta were so generous to myself and my daughter when we lived in Chadron. They would attend her games and were there for both our weddings. He will truly be missed. Prayers for Aletta and their family.
Del, I’m sorry I missed you earlier this summer. Laurie and I came to Chadron and we so wanted to visit. I just want Aleta to know what a blessing you both were to me during my high school and college years. I think I was at your home more often than my own! I loved spending the night with Debbie and weekends out at your land. What great memories! Thank you for always welcoming into your home!