Emanuel "Mike" Varicak

1925 - 2022

On Oct. 25, 2022, at the age of 97, Emanuel "Mike" Varicak, a longtime resident of North Platte, peacefully passed away at his home. Mike, the son of Yugoslavian immigrants Dane and Yelena Varicak, was born in Julesburg, Colorado, on March 20, 1925. When he was an infant, Yelena took Mike and his sister, Vera, to Yugoslavia for two years before returning to Julesburg where he started school. The Varicaks moved to North Platte in 1936. Mike graduated from North Platte High School in 1942 and later enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943. He served in the European Theater during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946. Before entering the army, Mike was employed at W.J. O'Connor Department Store and then hired on with the U.P. Railroad. Following his discharge, he returned to his employment with the railroad where he worked as a clerk until retiring in March 1987. On Dec. 30, 1954, Mike married Catherine "Katy" Coad in North Platte. The couple soon settled into their home on Sycamore Street where they raised their family. He resided in his home for over 60 years until his passing. Mike was a member of the Episcopal Church of Our Savior, North Platte Country Club, Iron Eagle Golf Course, American Legion Post No. 163, IMF and Elks Lodge No. 985. Mike's favorite pastime was golf and he played for more than 75 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Katy; parents, Dane and Yelena; sister, Vera and her husband, Habie Reed; sister-in-law, Bette (Coad) Lundin; and in-laws, Leonard and Louise Coad. Mike is survived by his children, Jayne (Howard) Couchois of Granada Hills, California, Michael (Beki) Varicak of Powder Springs, Georgia, and William "Will" (Jackie) Varicak of Lincoln; grandchildren, Michael, Michaela, Elizabeth "Ellie", Cole, Eric, Catherine and Daniel; other family members; and his friends, Rick and Dodie Odean and Ron and Carmen Meyer. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. In keeping with Mike's wishes, cremation was chosen and private family services with military honors will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.