Norman “Dale” Licking, age 72, went home to the arms of Jesus on July 1, 2020. Dale was born December 28, 1947 at Broken Bow, NE to Norman L. Licking and Mary (Spellbrink) Licking.
Dale was born while his dad was working for Ed Rodewald. He attended County school #16, a mile and a half from his home, until it closed then attended #4 in Thedford starting in the 7th grade.
Dale graduated from Thedford in 1966 and played football all of grade school and high school. At 240 pounds he was noticed for his football skills. He attended Denver Automotive for one year, then came home and worked at Thedford Sale Barn and Larson Hardware and Lumber Yard, where he was well known for handling 100-pound bags. Dale worked for Aunt Ida when his Uncle Vern died in 1970. He worked for Jim Drink Walter at Brownlee, then came home to work for his dad and the sale barn.
In 1979 he went to work for Kahoo’s in Tryon and he married his future wife Vivian I. (Bierma) Licking on July 17, 1982. Dale later worked for Hazel Hassi, Linda Kemp, Don Opplinger, and Underground Cable Specialists.
During the 70’s, Dale was a member of the Licking wild horse team. He was one of the first Nebraskan’s to wild horse race at Cheyenne Frontier Days. He was an outstanding mugger on the team, once he got a hand on the horse, the horse gave up. It was like tying a horse to a REA pole. Dale’s biggest joys were riding his horses and doing his haying.
In 1983, Dale and Vivian bought their home in Tryon and lived there at the present time. Dale was a member of the McPherson County Volunteer Fire Department for many years until his passing.
Dale is survived by his wife, Vivian of Tryon; sons, CL (Amy) Bellew of Hershey, Shawn (Fiancée-Rhonda) Bellew of Tryon, Beau C. Licking of Wauneta; grandchildren, Kyle Joseph Bellew, Audrey Ann Bellew, Shawn David Bellew II, Terry Layne Bellew; siblings, Mary “Sis” (Earl) Feyerherm of Norfolk, Don (Linda) Licking of North Platte, Dennis (Karen) Licking of Tryon, Richard (Tanna) Licking Seneca, Barbara (Dave) Praeuner of Battle Creek; brother-in-laws, David (Barbara) Bierma and Dale (Marrietta)Bierma.
He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Lawrence and Audrey Bierma; and grandson Dowe Bellew.
Memorials are suggested in Dale’s name. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at Ringgold Free Methodist Church with the Reverend John Parsons officiating. Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery. Visitation will be noon-8:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements. Casual dress is requested. Services will be livestreamed on Adams & Swanson Facebook page.