Rick Blake

R ick B lake of Sutherland passed away at Great Plains Heath on September 11, 2024, at age 66.

Rick, the son of Dareld and Joyce Blake, was born in Stratton on April 22, 1958.  The family lived in Strasburg, CO, before moving to Nebraska where they lived in Huntley then Sutherland.  While in high school, Rick was quite the athlete!  He played football and was on the track and field team, he threw shot put and discus.  Rick earned several awards in football and held school records in shot and discus.

After graduating from Sutherland High School in 1976, Rick went on to Chadron State College with athletic scholarships in football and track and field.  He later went to work for Brown & Root Company, Bob Spady's in North Platte then hired on at the Gerald Gentleman Station in Sutherland where he made sure everyone had reliable, affordable and efficient energy.  Because of his dedication and years on the job, Rick eventually earned the title "The Legend".  He worked for Nebraska Public Power District for 27 years until retiring.

Rick was a member of the N.R.A. and Platte River Sportsman Club and attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  He enjoyed making bows and arrows from scratch, building guns and loading bullets.  He also liked reading books by Louis LaMour and C.S. Lewis.  Rick was a great husband, father and grandfather who loved being with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dareld and Joyce Blake; niece, Missy Blake; and nephew, Jon Lemmerman.

Rick leaves behind his wife, Shari; their children, Ashley Johnson (Joe) of Sutherland, Justina Blake (Nick Eyten) of North Platte, Zachary Blake (Ali) of Sutherland and Preston Blake of Cozad; grandchildren, Dean and Jordan (Zach's kids) and Josephine and Nash (Justina's kids); his brothers, Randy Blake (Linda) of North Platte and Brad Blake (Angie) of Marquette and their three daughters; as well as other family.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 17, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Celebrant Father Sagar.  Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.  Visitation is Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and with family greeting from 4-6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel.  Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or KJLT Radio.  Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.