Colleen P. Reutzel, 91, of North Platte, passed away February 2, 2023 at Centennial Park Retirement Center. She was born on July 31, 1931 at the Hansen farm to Henry and Mary (Speck) Thomsen. Colleen grew up on a farm in Cottonwood Canyon south of Maxwell. She attended District 97 country school.
On October 12, 1947, Colleen was united in marriage to Vernon Reutzel in North Platte. They raised seven children together. Colleen worked side by side with Vernon farming while raising her family.
In 1963 the family moved to California where Colleen ran an in-home daycare. In 1970, the family moved back to North Platte where she briefly worked at St. Mary’s Hospital and then opened her in-home daycare.
Colleen was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church and over the years raised 27 foster children. She was very involved in the Girl Scout community, not only as a leader but also the cookie chairman. She organized all family gatherings and no one went without. She raised a large garden for canning, was a great cook and nothing was wasted.
Survivors include six children: Doris (Doug) Howard, Gustive Reutzel, Mickie Kniep, Theresa (Rick) Davis all of North Platte, Paula (Jeff) Yoachum of Bellevue, Alan Reutzel of Seward; sister, Melanie (Dan) Albrecht; grandchildren, Ashley (Ben) Aloi, Melissa Ross, Gus Reel, Danika (Jed) Dizmang, Desiree Reutzel, Amber Plaster, Austin (Amber) Kniep, Sara Larson, Nicholas Davis, Bryce and Mackenzie Reutzel, Stacy (Dave) Walker; 20 great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.
Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Mary; husband, Vernon; daughter, Verlien; son-in-law, Bob Bowker; sister, Eva Reutzel; great grandson, Les Reel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be held 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church with the Reverend Patrick Sipes officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held noon-7:00 P.M., with family present 5:00-7:00, Monday, February, 6, 2023 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.