Former NGPC Commissioner Dan Wallen Dies After A Short Illness

[Bumpus]

NGPC news release, 12/03/08:

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Daniel Wallen, 58, of McCook, who served a five-year term as a member of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, died Dec. 2 at Kindred Hospital in Houston, Texas, following a short illness.

Wallen owned and operated a farm with his brother, Tim, near McCook. A native Nebraskan and graduate of the University of Nebraska, Wallen was appointed to the Commission by Gov. Ben Nelson and served in that capacity from Jan. 28, 1995 through Jan. 15, 2000.

"Dan was an outstanding Commissioner. He grew up hunting and fishing in Nebraska and wanted to do his part to preserve that heritage for future generations," said Commission Director Rex Amack.

Conservation Officer Virgil Gosch said Wallen was one of the first people he met after being assigned to the McCook area some 28 years ago. He called Wallen a remarkable sportsman as well as a very knowledgeable agri-businessman who did justice to both points of view. “I have the utmost respect for him. He always gave considerable support to the conservation officers in his area.”

Wallen’s survivors include his wife, Kathy, a son and daughter. Services are pending.