Jack Dau

John Robert “Jack” Dau was born on June 25, 1931 in Yutan, Nebraska to Otto and Naomi (Wagner) Dau. He left school prior to graduating to serve his country in the Korean War. Jack served in the Army from January 7, 1949 until July 21, 1952.

Jack married Patricia McMahon in Wahoo on October 30, 1953. To this union two children were born. Jack married Bonnie Harnett on June 24, 1988. He was very hardworking, and truly enjoyed life. He liked to tease, was always friendly, and didn’t know a stranger. Jack spent time at the casino every weekend where he met a lot of people over the years. He was known to sit on the bench and talk to people. It didn’t matter where he went, he always found someone he knew.

Jack made a mean super nacho. Jack made the pan to make the nachos in and would spend all day chopping and preparing, and then invited all of the kids and grandkids to eat with him. He loved his grandkids and great-grandkids.

He was always busy, he couldn’t sit still. Jack liked to go to the grocery store, even if just for one item. He enjoyed talking to people. He worked for Bill Stewart as a heavy equipment operator, then at the Douglas County Landfill as a heavy equipment operator until his retirement. He spent time playing cards at the senior center where he played Pitch 2 times per week up until 6 weeks ago. Jack was always ready to help out with everything someone needed. He took up wood-working and enjoyed his time with that hobby.

He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia; wife Bonnie; son Robert Dau; brothers Jim and Bill Dau; sisters Mary Lou Harnden and Beverly Baker; step-sons Tim and Craig Harnett; step-granddaughter Holly Givens; son-in-law Rod Urban; and Ken Hulse.

Jack is survived by his daughter Kathy Urban of Wahoo; daughter-in-law Jean Dau of Wahoo; grandchildren Kelly (Andy) Goergen of Omaha, Neil (Christy) Urban of Wahoo, Jordan (Maddie) Dau of Jacksonville, FL, Jonathan (Megan) Dau of Lincoln, and Jenna (Derek) Jansa of Wahoo; great-grandchildren Maddie, Ethan, Trevor, Phoebe, Avaline, Annalise, Reid, Emerson, Kennedy, and Hadleigh; step-children Kevin (Gwenn Arney) Harnett, Jan Givens, and Barry Harnett; 5 step-grandchildren; sister-in-law Phyllis Dau; and friend Ima Jean Alley.