Phillip Reed Thalken

IN LOVING MEMORY OF PHILLIP REED THALKEN

United States Navy SEAL, Nebraska State Patrol Sergeant, Union Pacific Conductor, Beloved Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, and Friend.

On August 13, 2025, Phillip at age 72, for those that loved you, the world felt quieter, and our hearts infinitely heavier, as we said goodbye to a man whose life was a testament to courage, devotion, and love.

Born and raised in Nebraska, a proud graduate of North Platte High School’s Class of 1971, he stepped boldly into service at just the age when most are still finding their way. From 1971 to 1975, he wore the trident of the United States Navy SEALs-an emblem not just of his elite skill, but of his unshakable discipline, perseverance, and willingness to give all of himself to others.

After serving his country, he came home and continued to serve, this time as a Nebraska State Patrol Sergeant. For thirty years, he safeguarded our communities with steadfast courage, guiding others with his calm authority and unbreakable sense of duty. He was respected by his peers, trusted by his community, and loved by those who knew the man behind the badge.

When retirement came calling, he laughed at the idea of slowing down. For nearly 20 years, he rode the rails as a conductor for Union Pacific Railroad keeping the great steel arteries of our nation moving. Alongside these careers, he was a master of many trades: a skilled mechanic, a construction worker with hands that could build anything, and a proud graduate of Mid-Plains Community College.

But his greatest and most enduring role was not one you could list on a resume-it was as a husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. For forty-eight years of marriage and fifty years of love, he stood beside his wife through every season of life. Together, they built not just a home, but a family rooted in loyalty, laughter, and unconditional love.

He was tough as nails, but his toughness was matched only by his generosity. He gave without hesitation, helped without being asked, and loved without condition. His hands could mend engines, but they also held his family close. His strength could hold the line, but it could also lift those who felt they had no strength left.

To be loved by him was to be known, to be protected, and to be cherished. To lose him is to lose a piece of our very foundation and hearts, yet his spirit will forever be a part of the lives he touched.

Rest easy now, Dad/Phillip. Your watch is over. You have served your country, your community, and your family with honor beyond measure. We will carry your stories, your lessons, and your love with us until we meet again.

Fair winds and following seas, Dad.

Phillip is survived by his loving wife Cynthia, his children Kaila and Kyle Thalken, and his amazing fur babies, his brothers Rex Thalken, Ross Thalken (Cheri), Brad Thalken (Deb), Marty Thalken (Deb), Jerry Thalken (Fay), sister in law Linda Eacker (Charley), nieces April, Sara, Amber, Allison, Jennifer, Ann-Marie, Tamara, nephews Nicholas, Adam, Andrew, Michael, Tyler, Jerry, Greg, and Jimmy. Many great nieces and nephews, and cousins. He was proceeded in death by his parents George and LaVon Thalken, his in laws George and Joann Milligan, a nephew Kevin Thalken, and other family members.

In lieu of flowers a memorial is suggested to the North Platte Animal Shelter, Pawsitive Partners Humane Society, Trap Neuter Return North Platte, and Feeding America.

Celebration Of Life will be held Friday, September 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Harvest Christian Church with Pastor Jeremy Reinke officiating with Military Honors. Burial will be held at a later date.