Martin LeRoy Rousey, 87, of North Platte passed away Dec. 1, 2012, at the Sutherland Care Center.
He was born April 4, 1925, in Wauneta to Ora and Mae Tepley Rousey. Martin grew up in the Wauneta and Hamlet area, living much of his younger years with an uncle and grandfather. He was living with his mother in Ogallala when the dam was being built.
On April 28, 1945, Martin married Glenda Stinnette. They had two sons, Marvin and Ron. The couple made their home in the Elsie and North Platte area, working farm and dairy operations.
In 1955 the couple moved to Aurora, Colo., where Martin was head of the Aurora Parks Department. After two years, Martin and Glenda missed country life and returned to the North Platte area.
In 1971 they bought land west of North Platte and started Rousey Dairy. With the help of their sons and a lot of hard work, they received state and national honors for their top producing registered Holstein dairy herd. They continued to operate Rousey Dairy until failing health prevented them from continuing.
During the Depression years, Martin raised and trained ‘coon dogs. He helped support his family through the sale of these dogs and ‘coon and coyote hides. He enjoyed his family, hunting and fishing. He really enjoyed auctions, especially in his later years, and he never met a stranger.
Survivors include sons, Marvin (Linda) and Ron (Audrey), all of North Platte; grandchildren, Pam (Jess) Helgoth, of Burwell, Kim (Scott) Goodwin, of Kilgore, Jodi (John) Miller, of North Platte, Tyrell (Deandra) Rousey, of North Platte, and Tess Rousey, of Gurley; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother; wife, Glenda, on Nov. 30, 2009, after 64 years of marriage; and numerous aunts and uncles.
A memorial has been established and online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 15, at Parkview Community Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Jack Atteberry officiating. Cremation was chosen. Inurnment will take place at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 17, at the North Platte Cemetery. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., today, through Friday, Dec. 14, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.