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Dale Stover Obituary
Dale was born on a farm in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, on November 1, 1935. He received his BA from Washington University in St. Louis in 1957, a BD and STM from Andover Newton Theological School in Boston in 1961 and 1964 respectively, and a PhD in Religious Studies from McGill University in Montreal in 1967.
Dale served as a pastor to congregations in Milford, New Hampshire; Franklin Center, Quebec; and Greenbelt, Maryland. He taught religious studies at UNO from 1968 until his retirement in 2007. Beginning in 1986, he focused his research and teaching on indigenous religions, and he served as the first coordinator of the university's Native American Studies program from 1992 to 1995. For many years, he attended an annual Lakota Sun Dance in the Wakpamni Lake District of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
Dale was also a member of the Women's Studies faculty, an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and a Fellow at the Center for Great Plains Studies. He was an excellent teacher who kept in touch with many of his students long after they graduated.
Dale was a lifelong activist for education, civil rights, social justice, and peace. He attended the 1963 March on Washington led by Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church in Omaha.
Dale is survived by his three children Dawn (Jay Letto), Nathan (Deanna), and Drew (Kim); his six grandchildren Benjamin (Sydney), Mariah (Shay Ioerger), Luke, Finn, Wyatt, and Leo; and many beloved nieces, nephews, friends, colleagues, and former students. He enjoyed family reunions and travels with his children and grandchildren, and he shared with them a love of hiking, camping, nature, and reading.
Memorials may be given to the Dale Stover Scholarship in Religious Studies at UNO.
Memories and Condolences
for Dale Stover
Linda Kay Stevens
November 20, 2025
Dale was a great ally to me during a very difficult time and encourage me to finish my studies at UNO with a degree in Religion which took me on great and lasting journey into indigenous wisdom to this very day. He also help officiate my wedding in Corfu, Greece. Forever in my heart. Aho.
Mary Tendall
September 26, 2025
My thoughts are with the family. I had the honor to be Dale´s California "sister" and will always treasure our many conversations over the many years of our friendship.
Ruth Bailey
September 26, 2025
Dr. Dale Stover´s life is an inspiration. He is the finest man I ever met.
Georgia Hothersall
September 17, 2025
I´m so sorry to hear that Dale has passed. I send my deepest condolences to his family. I cut his hair for many years. I so enjoyed our conversations about his travels. May you R.I.P.
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Shelli Wingett
September 8, 2025
He was a wonderful Professor and I really enjoyed his classes, Shelli W.
jane wilson
September 7, 2025
Mr. Stover was my absolute favorite teacher at uno (1972-1976). I took 3-4 religion classes from him and learned so much. I still have all the texts/books from his classes, and frankly they were the ones I got the most out of. RIP sir.
Stephen Pluhacek
September 7, 2025
I was a student of Dale´s in the early 90s. He was one of the best professors I ever had. He was such a genuine and caring person. He encouraged my interest in Native American studies, which has shaped my philosophical and theological interests ever since. And, more importantly, he encouraged me to become involved in the lives of Native peoples. He truly enriched my life. And for that I am incredibly thankful.
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