Donald Dean Dike, age 79 of North Platte, passed away Saturday September 8, 2018 at the Sutherland Care Center.
Don was born on June 4, 1939 in North Platte to Carl Donald and Hazel (Ross) Dike. The eldest of eight children, Don grew up on a farm south of Sutherland, lettering in football. On August 30, 1959 he married his best friend, Beverly Viola Newman-Stellman. From this marriage came three children, Victoria Dee, Penny Ann, and Dean Ray. In the early years, Don worked as an electrician for the OPPD out of Omaha and raised his young family in Arlington, NE. He was a Volunteer Fireman and spent many weekends traveling with his friends and family to other small towns to compete in Water Barrel Competitions against opposing Volunteer Fire Companies. In 1971 Don and Beverly returned to North Platte to be nearer to family. They purchased and operated Jeffers Upholstery and CoverCo. He was instrumental in the resurgence of the annual Dike Family Picnic held in Cody Park. Don, his father Carl, and his youngest brother Ron and their families cut the trees and paved the path into the Sutherland Reservoir North West beach area for his family to enjoy many years of camping, boating, swimming and skiiing together.
In 1975 Don and Bev and their children gave their hearts to Jesus Christ. Don and Bev were very evangelistic. Once God poured His love into Don and Bev’s hearts, their lives were changed forever, and many extended family members also came to know Jesus. In 1979, after Jeffers Upholstery burnt down, they purchased the Comforter Inn Motel. This investment fizzled out, and after 28 years of marriage Don and Bev ended their marriage. Don’s love for the Lord continued. He became an ordained minister with the Open Bible Church.
He met and married Marjorie Joan “Joanie” Anderson on January 8, 1991. They travelled to New Mexico to work and share the gospel. Don and Joanie’s marriage ended. Don is remembered fondly by his grandchildren as being a hard worker. “You’re burning daylight!” was often heard. “Eat your dessert first” was a way of life with Don. He loved people and was a salesman at heart. He had a vacuum sales and repair shop in Hastings, NE. Next Don saw the country as an over the road truck driver. Lastly, he opened a grain hauling truck company, The Way Express, with a buddy, Peter Van Stell in Cozad, NE. In the most recent years, as his health began to fail, he returned to North Platte to live near his children and in an answer to prayer, was spoiled by his caregivers including Connie, Faye, and his first wife, and best friend, Beverly.
Don’s loved ones that remain include his children Penny Dike and Dean (Deb) Dike; grandchildren Anthony Dean Dike, Kendra Anne Dike and Raymond Keith Dike; great grandchild Nathanial Wray Friesell; siblings Marion (Donna) Dike, Twila Dike, Judy Dike, Lois McConnell, Mary (Wilber) Medberry, Lyle (Sharon) Dike, Ron (Sue) Dike; 23 nieces and nephews and their spouses and children and grandchildren; and his cousins and their families.
Don is preceded in death by his daughter Vicky; parents Carl and Hazel Dike; brothers Ivan and Dale Dike; brother-in-law Forest McConnell; and sister-in-law Christina Dike.
Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. A celebration of Don’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday September 13, 2018 at the North Platte Berean Church. Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.