Gale Dean Pischel July 21, 1955 – July 19, 2021

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LUSK – G. Dean Pischel, age 65, of Lusk, passed away at his home on July 19, 2021. A mass was held in his honor at St. George’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, July 24, with Fr. George Harty officiating. A memorial reception was held at his home following the service, hosted by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, a memorial was established in celebration of his life at the Niobrara County Public Library and the Niobrara County School District Public Library. 

Dean was born in Neligh, Nebraska to Emil L. “Lindy” and Dana Jean (Nordeen) Pischel. He grew up in Ainsworth, Nebraska until moving to Scottsbluff, Nebraska with his parents in 1970 and graduating from Scottsbluff High School in 1973. He then attained a degree in accounting from Chadron State College, worked briefly as an accountant and then returned to CSC to attain a second degree in Library Science. After graduation, he took a position at Cedar Canyon Elementary School in Gering, Nebraska. 

In 1988, Dean moved to Lusk to serve as the Media Specialist for the Niobrara Country Public School District. He married Ms. Lisa Mekis on September 1, 1989. During his time in Lusk, Dean coached basketball and golf and served as a cheerleading advisor, Scholastic Club sponsor, freshman class sponsor, and on various committees. He was a passionate fantasy football and baseball competitor, longstanding member of the Niobrara Country Club, and avid landscaper. For over 30 years, he was an active member of St. George’s Episcopal Church. 

Dean enjoyed spending time with his children, Andy and Jonathan, following them to all their athletic events, playing cards at the Country Club, buying toys for his grandchildren, and collecting vintage golf clubs. Later in life, his greatest joy was his grandchildren, Elizabeth and Jacoby Kaman, who he visited at every opportunity. His grandchildren remember him as a fun-loving, big-hearted man who loved to build Legos and read books. He fervently believed that every child deserved a chance to thrive and was an ardent advocate for local scholarships and supporter of career education programs. He always kept toys in his pockets for any kid he met on the street and was never afraid to be fashion forward- wearing white socks with sandals year-round. 

He is survived by his wife Lisa, his son Andy and his wife Andrea (Gregoire) Kaman of West Point, New York; son Jonathan and his wife Breanna (Bredthauer) Pischel of Laramie; sister Londa and her husband Dr. Bill Seiffert of Las Cruces, New Mexico; and grandchildren Elizabeth and Jacoby Kaman and soon to be born baby girl Pischel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lindy and Dana Pischel, and his brother Gary Pischel.

The family would like to thank the Pier Funeral Home and their family and friends for all their love and support during this time. In lieu of flowers the family requests you donate to the Niobrara County Public Library or the Niobrara County School District Libraries in Dean’s memory.