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

I’m joining my dad and mom, Howard and Anita Deckert, along with my sister, Pat Owen, in heaven. I’m leaving Nancy, my beautiful wife of over 40 years, my loving daughter, Krysti, my funny granddaughter, Ellanor, my brother, Tom and his wife Theresa, and brother-in-law, Ken, to venture on through this world until we meet again.

I was born Sept. 15, 1954 in North Platte, and headed up the stairway to heaven on June 14, 2024 at home surrounded by my family who I love.

Growing up we traveled a lot from North Platte to California to Sterling, Colo., to Evergreen, Colo., then settling down in Noblesville, Ind., for 16 years. That’s where I graduated from the great class of ’72 and married my high school sweetheart, Deborah Hillard. I went to work at Riverview Hospital in the storeroom 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 work at Western Supply. I eventually changed Western’s name to Winnelson when I bought into the chain and I was the president for 17 years.

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

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

Sports was a huge part of my life. I loved bowling, golfing, baseball/softball, running and pickleball. My best accomplishments were bowling 4-300’s and running 3 marathons after the age of 60.

The biggest part of my life was my family and friends. My hundreds of Praying Warriors went from coast-to-coast with me. They kept me going with their texts, messages and prayers. I cannot thank them enough. The Platte River Fitness Series and the Pickleball Association have made such an impact in my life.

Jesus has rescued me from my sin and has forgiven me fully. The Berean Church has been my inspiration. Thank you Father, Son and Holy Spirit for this blessed life. The End.

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Celebration of Richard’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 20 at the Berean Church. Feel free to wear your favorite race/sports t-shirt. Burial will follow in the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation is Wednesday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and with family greeting from 4-6 p.m. at 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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