Ivan Dale Huddle

The cowboy rides away….

Ivan Dale Huddle, or to those that knew and loved him “Joe” or “Papa Joe” died Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the age of 84. Joe was born on November 2, 1940, in a sod house south of Seneca, Nebraska, to Howard J. and Leta Virginia (Isom) Huddle.

After graduating Mullen High School in 1958, he worked on the family ranch until joining the United States Army in 1962. In 1964, while he was stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia, Joe married Madonna Ann Day. To this union two sons were born: John in 1965 in Valentine, Nebraska, and Glen in 1968 in West Point, Nebraska.

Joe was a cowboy and worked his entire life around cattle and horses. They moved to Oakley in 1986 when he took a job at Pioneer Feedyard. During his 31 years there, he built lasting relationships with many and a special friendship with his bonus granddaughter, Jocelyn Keller.

Joe was a sweet man that loved a good cup of black coffee and a Marlboro. He enjoyed playing cards at the casinos and with family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Marlene (Bill) McNabb, sisters-in-law Barbara Huddle and Janice Huddle, and brother-in-law Rick Dale.

Joe is survived by his sons John (Nancy) of Springfield, TN, and their children Jeffrey, Jesse and Natalie (Danny) McMahon; and Glen (Leasa) of Oakley, KS, and their children Leanna and Ryan. Joe is also survived by his great grandchildren Makenzie Ryan, Ivey and Edward McMahon; brothers Clyde, Floyd, Terry (Mardell) and sister Bonnie Dale; and numerous other family and friends.

A celebration of his life is planned for June 7, 2025, in Oakley, and he will be interned at the cemetery in Seneca, Nebraska, on June 8, 2025.