Richard Brent Deckert, 69 – North Platte Bulletin

Hi! This is Richard Brent Deckert. Something about having pancreatic cancer for over five years and going through over 84 rounds of chemotherapy gave me plenty of time to think about the obituary.

I join my father and mother, Howard and Anita Deckert, along with my sister, Pat Owen, in heaven. I leave Nancy, my beautiful wife of over 40 years, my loving daughter, Krysti, my funny niece, Ellanor, my brother, Tom and his wife, Theresa, and brother-in-law, Ken, to venture through this world. until we meet again.

I was born on September 15, 1954 in North Platte and ascended the stairs to heaven on June 14, 2024 at home surrounded by my loving family.

Growing up we traveled a lot from North Platte to California to Sterling, Colo. to Evergreen, Colo., then settled in Noblesville, Ind. for 16 years. That’s where I graduated with the big class of ’72 and married my high school sweetheart, Deborah Hillard. I went to work at Riverview Hospital in the warehouse for 6 years before going to work with my dad at the GM plant, Delco Remy.

After layoffs we decided to move back to North Platte in 1980. I worked at Wheelers for a year before going to Western Supply. I eventually changed the Western name to Winnelson when I bought the chain and was president for 17 years.

In 1982 I met my forever bride, Nancy Allen. We got married in ’84.

I semi-retired at the age of 54. I bought a Harley and rode it coast to coast by myself in 90 days. I still worked part time at Winsupply (heating and plumbing warehouse), working with all the employees and customers until the end was so much fun. Looking back, God guided me through all the curves of my life.

Sports have been an important part of my life. I enjoyed bowling, golf, baseball/softball, running and pickleball. My best accomplishments were bowling 4-300 and running 3 marathons after age 60.

Most of my life was family and friends. My hundreds of Praying Warriors have gone coast to coast with me. They kept me going with their texts, messages and prayers. I can’t thank them enough. The Platte River Fitness Series and the Pickleball Association have made such an impact in my life.

Jesus saved me from my sin and forgave me completely. The Berean Church was my inspiration. Thank you Father, Son and Holy Spirit for this blessed life. The end.

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A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 20, at Berean Church. Feel free to wear your favorite race/sports jersey. Burial will follow in North Platte Cemetery. Visitation is Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with family greeting from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Odean Colonial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.

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