September 21, 1981– January 11, 2023
Dustan Lee Biegler was born September 21, 1981, in Mobridge to Jerome and Shelley Biegler, the third of nine children. The family settled in McCook, NE, where his parents continue to reside, and where the majority of his childhood was spent.
Raised with a strong work ethic, Dustan was involved in remodeling their family home with his father and brothers, including restructuring the roof while adding a half story. This introduction to construction led him to working for a general contractor in his teenage years. By his early twenties, Dustan pursued a business in roofing where he focused on being an industry leader in offering true customer service and marking the beginning of his journey in entrepreneurship.
In 2003, Dustan met his beloved, Toi Sonthana, who became his steadfast supporter in all of his endeavors. As their relationship grew, they realized they were meant for each other, and their love story began. A property was purchased north of Lincoln and a new home was built to share with three children: Keely Ann (13), Owen Van (8), and Emma Michelle (6).
In September 2011, Dustan and childhood friend Marcus Kuhlmann partnered to start a new roofing venture that would become his ultimate success, Apple Roofing. In six short years, the company had opened three additional offices. Apple Roofing has since scaled to 17 locations in 27 states.
With a natural gift to befriend and mentor others, Dustan impacted not only those close to him, but also countless contractors in the roofing industry across the country. He always strongly encouraged those around him to pursue their full potential. Dustan often used the metaphor of climbing a mountain and reaching a false summit, saying, “We go as far as we can see, and then we can see further.” When asked about retiring early due to his success, Dustan’s response was: “God is a creator, and He created us in His image and likeness. Since I am meant to create in God’s image, I have to create every day or I’m not happy.”
Dustan recently discovered a passion for flying and had nearly completed his private pilot training. On January 11, 2023, at the age of 41, he was involved in an aircraft accident, which took the lives of both him and his flight instructor.
Dustan will be remembered for his compassion and benevolence that has touched so many.
Family members preceding him in death include his brother Vincent, maternal grandmother Moira Kinney, paternal grandfather Alfred Biegler, and a very close aunt, Rhonda Biegler Nickerson.
Dustan is survived by his paternal grandmother Mary Biegler; maternal grandfather Bill Kinney; parents Jerome and Shelley Biegler; better half Toi; three children, Keely, Owen, and Emma; and siblings Melissa (Kyle) Wilcox, Bryce (Cheryl) Biegler, Jared (Missy) Biegler, Tressa (Mike) Thomas, John (Jessica) Biegler, Joseph (Anna) Biegler, and Michael (Mary) Biegler; as well as many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.
(Jerome and Shelley Biegler’s address is 603 E. 2nd St., McCook, NE 69001.)