Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

Lance C Wallin

Lance C Wallin, 72, currently from Haines City, Florida formally from North Platte, Nebraska, went home to be with Our Lord in heaven on June 16th. He was the son of Winton and Maurine Belgum Wallin of Kimball, Nebraska. Lance had a long battle with COPD/ Emphysema and passed in his home with family by his side.

Lance was born and raised in Kimball, Nebraska on August 26, 1942. He graduated from Kimball County High School in 1960. He attended college at Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska studying surveying and engineering. Upon leaving college he served two years in the Navy, stationed in San Diego California from 1964 -1966. He was very proud of his service as a Radioman and made some very special friends while serving. After returning home he began working for the State of Nebraska Department of Roads as an Engineer in Scottsbluff, Nebraska and helped build the Interstate 80. After working in several communities through the years he settled in North Platte, Nebraska with his family. He stayed with the Department for 42 years and retired in 2005. Lance made a lot of dear friends with the State employees and considered them his second family.

Lance married Karen Happel, also from Kimball, Nebraska on March 20, 1970 at the home of his parents. After Karen graduated from Kimball High School in 1970, they moved to Chappell, Nebraska. Lance and Karen were transferred to Sidney,Nebraska for 4 years and then to Ponca, Nebraska. While there that is where their oldest girl Jeanne was born, in 1977 in Sioux City, Iowa. They were transferred to North Platte in 1979 and that is where Kimberly was born. Lisa was also born in North Platte, in 1981. Through the years Lance's favorite pass time was spending time with family camping and fishing at their favorite lake, Sutherland. It was a family tradition that carried on for about 40 years. When Lance retired, Karen and him traveled and attended a few Navy reunions in Washington, Tennessee, California and Massachusetts, visited with family and friends along the route. They went to visit Jeanne and Grandson Austin in Florida, in 2006 with their pickup and fifth wheel and snowbirded in Florida until 2009. They became permanent residents after that. Lance was a huge fan of Nascar Racing and an avid fan of Kasey Kahne. He also loved watching the Huskers and Denver Broncos. Lance is a life member of the VFW and also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2839.

Lance is survived by his wife Karen of 45 years from Haines City, Florida, Jeanne Wallin and Grandson Austin Cantrill of Haines City, Florida, Kimberly Wallin from Lincoln, Nebraska and Lisa from Haines City, Florida. His brother Ed Wallin from North Platte, Nebraska, Sister Janice ( Gerald) Zimmerman from Lincoln. California. There is 9 nieces and nephews, 14 great nieces and nephews and 4 great great nieces and nephew.

Lance was preceded in death by his parents Winton and Maurine (Belgum) Wallin, Uncle Lee Wallin, Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles and several cousins. Also all of his in-law relatives.

A memorial has been established.