Mike Boyle, age 65, of Hershey, NE, passed away at home on Thursday, August 4, 2016.

On August 28, 1950, James Michael was born to James Vincent and Melva Jean Fisher Boyle at North Platte, NE. He grew up north of Hershey and graduated from Hershey High School in 1968. Mike then moved to Wyoming where he attended Casper Community College on a rodeo scholarship. Mike joined the U.S. Army, serving from 1970-72.

Following his discharge, Mike worked for Butler & Son Rodeo Company in Oklahoma for a while then hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad in North Platte. He worked on the railroad from 1973 until retiring in 2011 as an Locomotive Engineer.

On December 24, 1970, Mike was united in marriage to Linda Kay Osborne at Sutherland, NE. By 1978 they settled on the ranch, north of Hershey.

Mike loved to rodeo and was a member of the Nebraska State Rodeo Association, Senior Pro Rodeo and Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association (P.R.C.A.). He also enjoyed fishing and hunting.

He leaves behind his wife of nearly 46 years, Linda, of Hershey; son, Shawn (Billie Jo) Boyle, of Maxwell, NE; two grandchildren, Jessica Schrad and Justin Schrad; a great-granddaughter, Pasiley Connley; his sister, Colleen (Robert) Majors, of North Platte; two nephews, Brooks (Jennifer) Smith and Patrick Smith; as well as other family.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, James and Melva; and brother, Patrick Boyle.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 3 p.m. Wednesday, August 10, 2016, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family has established a memorial.