Melvin Tickle

MELVIN D. TICKLE, 82, longtime Ogallala resident, passed away Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the Kearney Regional Medical Center.

Melvin was born September 23, 1938, at McCook, Nebraska, to Howard and Opal (Echternach) Tickle, the second of six boys. He graduated from Madrid High School. Mel went on to graduate from Kearney State Teacher's College.

On November 2, 1963, Melvin married Cheryl Elmshauser at Minden, Nebraska. Their union was blessed with three children, Dean, Rodney, and Rachelle. The family made their home in Ogallala, where Mel had worked for the Game & Parks Commission from 1964 until his retirement in 2000.

Mel would eventually find an enduring companionship with Karen Loden, and the two shared many years together until her passing in February of 2000.

Mel had been classically trained as an English teacher, having student-taught at Gibbon. After obtaining his teaching certificate along with the ardent advice NOT to teach anyone, Mel found his true calling telling people to move their cars, trucks, and campers off the grass, among many other things, with the Game & Parks Commission. Melvin loved the outdoors and was truly plugged in to the goings-on at the lake. Even after his retirement, he continued to "make the rounds," darkening all the doors of his favorite stops with regularity, especially Sands Edge and Otter Creek.

Mel loved to play golf and made many a wonderful memory sharing a cart and a round with his brother, Lonnie, his children, and on cherished occasions, all of his brothers, who maintained a special bond that had been galvanized since their upbringing in Perkins County.

In his later seasons of life, he came into a more profound sense for the bonds of family, enjoying more time with his children and grandchildren. It was also during this season of life that Melvin reaffirmed his faith in Jesus Christ and elected to be Baptized alongside his brother, Wayne. Melvin made his way to the Master's vineyard late in the day, but thanks be to God, the wages are the same for all who show up.

Melvin was preceded in death by his brothers, Wayne and Lonnie Tickle, and nephews, Troy & Trevor Tickle.

Survivors include his children, Dean (Diane) Tickle of Loup City, Rodney Tickle of Hastings, Rachelle (Doug) Warner of Elm Creek; grandchildren, Jason (Meghan) Tickle, Kristen Tickle, Joe (Brianna) Tickle, Megan Warner, Luke Warner, Reed (Jess) Thiefoldt, Celeste (Scott) Wulf, Sara (Galen) Greer, 12 great-grandchildren, Samantha, Elizabeth, Aaron, Andrew, Clara, Scarlett, Eddie, Drake, Rebecca, Miles, Caitlyn, and Liam. Survivors also include his brothers, Harold (Carol) of Alexandria, VA, Gerald (Freddie) of Cozad, Marvin (Bobbie) of Laguna Beach, CA, Karen's daughter, Rene (Rich) Engel of Holdrege; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial has been established in Mel's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Services will be on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at 10:30 am at New Hope Church in Ogallala. Interment will be in the Grant Fairview Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, from 1 pm until 6 pm, at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.