Troy Lynn Tickle passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at his home in North Platte, Nebraska at the age of 58.
Troy was born on May 23, 1962 in Grant, Nebraska to Gerald "Jerry" and Laura "Freddie" (Knotwell) Tickle. He graduated from Arnold High Scholl with the Class of 1980 before attending McCook Community College and the University of Northern Colorado, prior to entering Mortuary School at the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science.
Troy returned to Nebraska, where he was blessed to work under the tutelage of his father, Jerry, and Kent Swanson. His career began at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte before he took over operations and management at Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte in 1988, where he faithfully served the families of North Platte, Nebraska and the surrounding area in a careen that spanned over thirty years.
Troy's life, while undoubtedly too short, was full of blessings that he was keenly aware of. Troy was blessed with two children from his first marriage, Drew and Jenna, who added great meaning to his life. In April of 2001, Troy married Karen Snider at Beaver Creek, Colorado, and their union was blessed with a son, Sutton, who amplified his joy. Troy would eventually partner to purchase Carpenter Memorial Chapel, Adams & Swanson Funeral, and Berryman Funeral Homes. Troy retired from funeral service in 2020, following challenges to his health.
Troy was a faithful parishioner of St. Patrick's Catholic church in North Platte. He was a member of the Eagles and Moose Lodges, Knights of Columbus, and North Platte Ambassadors. He was a past director on the Nebraskaland Days board and Nebraska Funeral Directors Association. When Troy had free time, he loved being out on the golf course, hunting, fishing, or spending time out on the lake. Some of his most cherished moments were when he got the chance to share those hobbies with his family.
Troy was a man of many gifts. He typically had a twinkle in his eye and an ornery smirk that had a way of drawing people in. Troy was charismatic; yet carried himself with a humility that made him so approachable. He had a kindness and patience about him that came from years of being in service to others. Troy was generous in so many ways, always going to great lengths to serve the families who entrusted his with their care. He was a credit to his profession and modeled the life of a funeral director as a vocation rather than just a job. As Neil Gaiman said, "The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can." Troy's legacy was a special one, cherished by many, held up and continued by his loved ones, and not soon forgotten. May you rest in God's peace.
Troy was preceded in death by his brother, Trevor L. Tickle in 1999; his grandparents, Howard & Opal Tickle and Fred & Hazel Knotwell; two aunts and their spouses and 2 uncles; his in-laws, Ike Snider and Rhonda Becker.
Troy is survived by his wife, Karen of North Platte, NE; three children, Drew Tickle, Sutton Tickle and Jenna (Michael) Merrill; his parents, Jerry & Freddie Tickle of Cozad, NE; a nephew, Trey Tickle; brother-in-law, Clint (Brianne) Snider and their children Ashtyn, Bryson and Braiton; sister-in-law, Justina (Jackson) Johnson and their daughter, Lincoln; along with many other relatives and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Patrick's Catholic Church of North Platte or North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in North Platte, Nebraska with Father Jim Golka as Celebrant. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. at the Cozad Cemetery in Cozad, Nebraska. The service will be live-streamed on St. Patrick's Catholic Church of North Platte's Facebook page.
Visitation with the family present will be on Monday, January 25, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in North Platte. Rosary will be recited by Deacon Matt Irish at 7:00 p.m.
Masks are required at the church.