Richard M. Crooker

OBITUARY OF RICHARD M. CROOKER

Richard M. “Dick” Crooker was born on August 6, 1952, to Claude and Alta (Anderson) Crooker in Broken Bow, NE.  He passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024 at the Rock County Hospital in Bassett, NE.   Dick was the youngest of his 12 siblings. He married Marilyn M. Jines on August 24, 1979 in Ainsworth, NE and to this union two children were born, Kelly and Jerred. 

Dick was a construction worker for Werner Construction for 32 years. He loved cooking, caring for his animals/pets, collecting antiques and anything fishing. His greatest joy was his family and friends. He was involved in the lives of all his family.    

Dick always kept himself busy, whether it was working with his animals, fishing, and working on his yard, along with bird watching in the back yard or just talking to his many friends.  On the off chance he wasn’t out and about, he could be found in his fish room playing with his fishing lure collection.   

Dick always cared about the people around him.  His children Kelly and Jerred always felt loved, appreciated, and safe because of him. He always made time to spend with his grandchildren Jayden, Skylar and Karly and would drop everything to be with them. He attended their concerts, sports meets, graduations, and was always there whenever they needed a friend.   

His biggest blessing was his wife, Marilyn. They were married for 45 strong, meaningful and loving years together. Dick and Marilyn not only loved each other, but through each other found friendship, kindness and joy. Their relationship was something many looked up to and admired.  

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Alta Crooker;  his brothers, Jack, Frank, Ken, Bud and Stanley; his sisters, Georgia John, Iris Donason, Wilma Carlyle, Wanda Smith, Bonnie Mizner and Ina Cleveland.  

Dick is survived by his wife, Marilyn of Newport, NE; daughter, Kelly and her husband, Jerry Adkins of Laurel, NE; son Jerred and his wife, Melissa Crooker of Kearney, NE; three grandchildren, Jayden Garett, Skylar Crooker and Karly Crooker; his sister, Maxine Sailas of AZ; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.   

A family and friend luncheon will be held in Newport and private family graveside service will be held in the Giles Cemetery at Elsmere, NE and will be announced at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the family.    Hoch Funeral Home of Bassett is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.