June 29, 1933 – September 1, 2025
Wilber Charles (Bill) Dakan was born in Burr, Nebraska, to Wilbur T Dakan and Ruth (Greenwade) Dakan, on June 29,1933. He passed away September 1, 2025, at 92 years old, under the watchful care of his daughter Joni, who was his primary caregiver for over 10 years. Her personal care and dedication gave him his best life.
During his early years, Bill, his mother, father, and younger brother Jim lived in Burr Nebraska, Cook Nebraska, and finally Pawnee City Nebraska, where Bill spent his school age years.
It was in Pawnee City, where Bill acquired the skills that he was known for. As a young man, Bill would visit the various businesses in town, where he was allowed to watch and learn from the local craftsmen. Bill learned about woodworking, cabinetry and gained mechanical skills. As Bill got older, he worked at the hardware store and at his father’s Gas station. It was here that Bill further developed his skills and strong work ethic. Those that know him best, knew there was nothing he could not build or fix, sometimes with simple hand tools.
One of Bills great loves was fishing. He and his father Bill Sr. and brother Jim spent many hours at Myers Falls outside of Pawnee City. Bill graduated from Pawnee City High School, in 1951, and soon thereafter moved to Lincoln, to attend the University of Nebraska. Studying agriculture with a focus on poultry. He also worked on the East Campus in the hatchery barns. Soon after, his father, mother and brother also moved to Lincoln.
Bill met Danna Jean Cunningham while dating another girl. She insisted that Danna Jean come along. After a few dates in this situation, Bill quit picking up the other girl and it was just him and Danna Jean. They spent a lot of time at Capitol Beach roller skating and going to the amusement park. They would either ride his 1948 Cushman Scooter or take his 1940 Ford coupe with Cadillac hubcaps. He would tell the story of how the rumble seat compartment was filled with cement to give the car a lower stance; however, the ride was not the greatest.
In May of 1953 Bill was drafted into the United States Army. He did his basic Training at Fort Leanord Wood Kansas. It was while on leave after basic training that Bill and Danna Jean were married on December 23, 1953, at Christ Temple Church, by Reverend Trago McWilliams. A few days later Bill shipped out to London England, where he was assigned to the SCARWAF unit (Special Case Army Reassigned to Air Force) at an Air Force Base working with the Corp of Army Engineers. Bill was assigned to the supply unit where he had full access to the shop equipment. We’re sure he was in heaven, based on his lifelong love of tools. Bill ended his military career serving in the Air National Guard until 1961.
On May 6, 1956, Bill and Danna Jean welcomed the birth of their first child, a daughter. named Janet Lou Dakan. However, Janet Lou only survived a few hours due to a heart defect. On October 28, 1957, their son Danny was born, and 11 months later, on September 26, 1958, their daughter Joni was born. The young family then set up housekeeping in the Havelock area. Their home was always open for guests and extended guests and family, offering a place of peace and refuge.
Bill took the social service test and became a United States Postal carrier. This became his main career. During his 33 years of service, he received many awards. One was “driver of the year”. This award was due to Bill having many years of accident-free driving. This was no small feat as Bill was in his mail truck for many hours daily, dodging all sorts of traffic hazards. Bill retired from the Post Office in 1988. Upon retirement, Bill worked alongside Danna Jean through the Law Office of John McHenry, overseeing guardianships. Bill also worked multiple part time jobs, doing mechanic work, auto upholstery, janitorial and at the Journal Star Newspaper.
Bill influenced the lives of those beyond his family, as he gave of his time and talents. For example:
He drove the church bus for many years, picking up kids for Sunday school, and taught Sunday school. He was a Deacon and an Elder in the church. He was helpful in many church renovations, building school desks, nursery chairs, and many other items to bless those attending. He even built Uncle Donald a pulpit and took it to his church in Missouri by tying it to the top of his ‘49 Ford.
He was Danny & cousin Rick Qualls Boy Scout leader.
Bill never stopped “Becoming” – It is evident by the volumes of books, tapes, CD’s, and Bibles in his home, that Bill loved Jesus and desired to walk closer with Him throughout his entire life. He even had to build additional bookcases, of course, just to hold it all!
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Danna Jean Dakan. Parents Wilbur T and Ruth Dakan. Brother James Dakan. Infant daughter Janet Lou Dakan. He is survived by His son Danny Dakan and his wife Michele. Daughter Joni Clevenger. Grandchildren, Robert Meyer, Daniel Meyer, Nick (Casey) Weaver and Jeannie (Isaac) Worrell. 3 great grandchildren – Aysha, Noah & Kinsley. Many nieces and nephews.
Theme Scripture: Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)
“A good name is more desirable than riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
Bill was known by many names. To his parent’s side of the family, he was called Bill jr. or Uncle Bill. On his wife’s side of the family, he was called Billy or Uncle Billy. To his children he was called Dad. At the Post Office he was called Wilber. At church he was Brother Bill. The name he liked the most, was given to him by his grandson Rob Meyer which was Poppa. Soon afterward, those in his closet circle called him that.
One-man multiple names. All good names. All meaning the same thing. Describing One good man. Bill always did the right thing. Never wavering. He taught us that it was better to be righteous than right. He showed Godly wisdom and strength which came from his deep personal relationship with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This was done in humility, gentleness and patience.
Bill Jr., Billy, Uncle Billy, Dad, Wilber, Brother Bill, Poppa.
Well Done, faithful servant you finished well.
Psalms 23:6 – “Surely goodness and love followed you all the days of your life. Go now and dwell in the house of the Lord for eternity.”
A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Wyuka Stables, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, NE 68510. Interment with Military Honors to follow at Wyuka Cemetery.
I always thought highly of Bill and Danna. We went to the same church Danny, I am so sorry for your loss. I would like to come to his homegoing on Saturday, but I will be at my aunt’s funeral that day. My condolences also to your sister and to the grandkids. I know he is so happy where he is now. God bless all of you