Cullen Harold Rishel, age 76 of North Platte, passed away at his home on Thursday March 3, 2016.
Cullen was born on December 5, 1939 in Plankinton, SD to Zura and Florence (Rademaker) Rishel. He joined the US Navy and served from August of 1957 until August of 1963. After his Honorable Discharge from the Navy he worked as an auto body mechanic. On September 3, 1965 he married Delsey Meeker in Hartington, NE. The couple and their three sons moved to North Platte where he worked at Joe Dye Ford, Cement Products, Simon Construction and Western Engineering. In 1987 he was forced to quit working due to health issues. He was a member of the Salvation Army and the Eagles Club. He enjoyed family genealogy, hunting, fishing and camping. He will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul who would give you the shirt off his back.
Cullen is survived by his wife of 50 years, Delsey Rishel; 3 sons Vernon (Jodie) Roepke, Bob (Julie Lyon) Roepke, and Mark Roepke all of North Platte; 5 grandsons, Nathaniel (Sally), Andrew, Jordan, Brandon (Ashley), and Caleb.; 1 granddaughter, Taylor; sister Irene Refior of North Platte; 9 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Ardella Styles; and granddaughter Jessica Lynn Roepke.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Cancer Center – Poudre Valley Hospital, UN of CO Health Cancer Center, 2121 E Harmony Rd., Suite 170, Ft. Collins, CO 80528. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 11;00 a.m. Tuesday March 8, 2016 at the Salvation Army Church with Captain Tony Bowers officiating. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday March 7, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.