Merlon Keith, “Sam” Bedke was born on May 23, 1939, at his family home in Ravenna Nebraska. He was the youngest of seven children born to Frank and Edna Bedke. Sam loved reminiscing about their farm family and the hard work, shenanigans, and love shared. His family loved hearing about the pet crow, and other special creatures on their farm. Fishing the sand pits in Nebraska was especially enjoyable to Sam. He attended Ravenna High School and told many stories of his high school football career and time with friends. He always kept his connection to Ravenna friends, families, and neighbors.
Sam moved to Omaha at the age of 16 and married Ruth Fletcher. Four daughters were born to this union. After a few years, they moved to Blair where Sam gardened, fished, and spent time with family.
Upon moving to Omaha, at 16, Sam apprenticed at Union Pacific Railroad as a machinist, boilermaker welder. He was employed with Union Pacific for his entire career of 45 years. In 1988 he was transferred to North Platte to finish his career. He was a member of the Boilermaker’s Union.
Sam was known for his pranks and humor among his coworkers, friends, and family. He told many stories of his adventures at work, fishing with friends, and pranks among family and friends. His Facebook followers enjoyed hearing about the book he was writing and his how-to-video posts. Both brought smiles to many.
February 19, 1989, he was united in marriage to Cindy Hancock Wiese. You often heard the two of them referring to each other as “partner “or “buddy” in their conversations. With this union, Sam’s family grew, adding two step-daughters and two step-sons with which to share life and love. Sam and Cindy lived in rural North Platte for 35 years. Together they loved the land and many animals in their 80-acre paradise. Enjoying nature and especially his many dogs, held a special place in Sam’s heart. You didn’t need to ask twice to see Sam’s pictures of his Great Danes. This acreage was welcoming to many family members and friends throughout the years.
Sam had a strong will and was known for overcoming obstacles. He returned to school later in life and earned his GED, he gave up smoking, sugar, and alcohol. Sam’s time with an Anonymous fellowship was a major part of his life and support. He grew through friendships developed there. Many deep friendships were formed. 2024 marked Sam’s 50th year in this fellowship.
Sam was always an advocate of taking care of his body and was faithful with physical exercise until his health failed, which was in his 80’s. One of Sam’s repeated quotes was, “You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself.” He has been a role model to many in many ways.
Sam is survived by his loving wife Cindy; three daughters, Marlene Bedke, Julie (Monte) Flynn, and Teri (Mark) Otte; one step-son Tim (Stacy) Wiese; two step-daughters, Angie (John) Burrows, and Rebecca (Teak) Colson; Grandsons Heath (Jennifer) Reyzlik, Colin (Miranda) Warrick, and Jared Warrick; Granddaughters Natalie (Justin) Christensen, Jenna (Jan) Hilgendorff, Meredith (John) Rohwer, Morgan (Brandon) Echtenkamp, Maggie (Matt) Thomas, and Amanda (Zach) Edwards; Granddaughters, Maddie Wiese and Cassidy Ratliff; Grandsons Douglas Drake, Lucas Ratliff, Neathen Burrows, Declan Burrows, and Brody Colson; twenty great-grandchildren; one cousin Marge Ruder and many special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father in-law, Harry and Phylis Hancock; two brothers, Ervin and Robert Bedke, four sisters Edith, Lois, Phyllis, and Marlene, and their spouses; daughter Debbie; son-in-law’s, Jim Reyzlik and Rich Warrick; step-son Ted Wiese; and many friends.
Sam entered into eternity on July 15, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, July 19th at Bethel Church, North Platte, Nebraska with Pastor Geoff Safford officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from noon – 8, Thursday July 18th at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Family will be receiving friends from 10-11 A.M., Friday July 19th at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home prior to the service.
Online condolences may be shared at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home www.adamsswanson.com . For those who are unable to attend the service will be live streamed on our website at www.adamsswanson.com .
Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family.