Troy Tickle

1962 - 2021

Troy L. Tickle Troy L. Tickle passed away Jan. 19, 2021, at his home in North Platte, at the age of 58. Troy Tickle was born May 23, 1962, in Grant to Gerald "Jerry" and Laura "Freddie" (Knotwell) Tickle. He graduated from Arnold High School with the class of 1980, before attending McCook Community College and the University of Northern Colorado. Then he entered 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 1988, where he faithfully served the families of North Platte and the surrounding area in a career that spanned over 30 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 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 and Berryman funeral homes. Troy retired from funeral service in 2020, following challenges to his health. Troy was a faithful parishioner of St. Patrick Catholic Church in North Platte. He was a member of the Eagles and Moose Lodges, Knights of Columbus, 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 him 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 and Opal Tickle, Fred and Hazel Knotwell; two aunts and their spouses and two uncles; and his in-laws, Ike Snider and Rhonda Becker. Troy is survived by his wife, Karen of North Platte; three children, Drew Tickle, Sutton Tickle and Jenna (Michael) Merrill; parents, Jerry and Freddie Tickle of Cozad; 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 Catholic Church or North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in North Platte with the Rev. Jim Golka and Deacon Mark Lister as celebrants. Burial will be at 2 p.m. at the Cozad Cemetery. Services will be livestreamed on the St. Patrick Catholic Church of North Platte Facebook page. Visitation with family present will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in North Platte. Rosary will be recited by Deacon Matt Irish at 7 p.m. Masks are required at the church. Berryman Funeral Home, Cozad, is in charge of arrangements.