Funeral Services for Lonnie Dwinell, age 77, of Chambers will be at 10:30 am on Friday, September 22, 2023 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill. Burial to follow in the Chambers Cemetery with Military Rites provided by the Chambers American Legion Post 320. Pastor Mike Durre will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a 7 pm Prayer Service. Lonnie passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Faith Regional Hospital in Norfolk. Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Lonnie John Dwinell was born on March 19, 1946 in Ericson, Nebraska to John and Mae (Ostendorf) Dwinell. He attended school in Bartlett for his first years of elementary school. In 1953, the family moved to Clearlake Oaks, CA. There he played football, basketball, and baseball and was very gifted in math. He graduated from Lower Lake High School in 1964.

After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Marines Corps. After he completed basic training, he was involved in a severe car accident and received a medical discharge. After a long healing process, he was drafted into the Army and was sent to Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in November 1968.

While in Vietnam, Lonnie began receiving letters from a woman in Minnesota named Marlene Littlefield. Once he was back in country, the couple arranged to meet and Lonnie drove all the way from Ft. Riley, Kansas to Minnesota to meet her. They were married on March 1, 1969 in Redwood Falls, MN, after only three visits. The couple spent some time in California, then returned to Wells, MN, where the couple had 3 children, and a foster child.

In 1980, they settled in Chambers to raise their children where Lonnie worked various jobs throughout the area farming. He retired in 2006 due to health reasons.

Lonnie enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, and attending the grandkids' sporting events. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, trapper, butcher, and gardener. He was a member of the Chambers American Legion, and the National Rifle Association. He went on the Nebraska Vietnam Combat Veterans Honor Flight in June 2016.

Lonnie is survived by his children, Jason (Wendi) Dwinell of Wayne, NE, Bobbie Jo (Chad) Miller of Pierce, NE, Tanya (Terry) Marcellus of Chambers, NE; foster child, Bill Carrell of MN; seven grandchildren, Laurel (Kiel) Brunken, Gabrielle Dwinell, Sarah Miller, Tristan Miller, Steven (Amber) Marcellus, Tami Jo (Jacob) Pacha, Samantha (Alex) Aldag; great grandchildren, Averi, Everett, and Ashtyn Brunken; sister, Bonnie Cornell of Clearlake Oaks, CA; sister-in-law, Linda Littlefield of Colorado Springs, CO; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marlene in 2015; grandson, Caleb Dwinell in 2018; two brothers, James Dwinell and Harold Dwinell; and brothers-in-law, Nelson Cornell and Dale Littlefield.