Michael Niels Rask of Gordon NE, proud American and veteran of the Marines, passed away October 23, 2021 at the age of 75, surrounded by his children.
The son of Ray and Leona Rask, he was born June 9, 1946, and grew up in Minatare and Scottsbluff Nebraska, graduating from Scottsbluff High School in 1964.
At the age of 19, he was drafted during the Vietnam War. Mike proudly served his country from 1966-1972 and received two Purple Hearts for wounds suffered in combat, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry in recognition of heroic conduct while in combat with the enemy. He valued his service highly and was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant. A true patriot, he then continued to serve his country in the Army National Guard for many years.
A lifelong baseball fanatic, Mike loved his precious Cubbies, animals great and small, spending time with his loved ones, coaching, bowling, dispensing pearls of wisdom, encouraging his kids to read and educate themselves, puttering around, and he REALLY loved butterballs. He found retirement to be a blast because he could sleep in and do whatever he wanted, which included growing a beard that was longer than most newborn babies and becoming obsessed with
He wore many hats in life, soldier, welder, postman and banker just to name a few. He loved being “Papa Mike” to big and little kids alike, and his love of others was authentic and infectious. Through the last few years of health struggles he kept his sense of humor, even demanding during a hospitalization that the nurse write on his patient board “click the heels of the red shoes 3 times” which she did. It must have worked because he went home 2 days later. He was one of the good guys and will be missed.
Mike is survived by his siblings, Marvin Rask of New Underwood South Dakota, Ronda Leedham of Louisburg Kansas, and brother-in-law Doug McCune of Alliance Nebraska. His children, Matthew Rask of Mesa, Arizona, Clayton (Allison) Rask of Hot Springs, South Dakota, Jesse Rask of Gordon Nebraska, Tina (Phil) Pryor of Crawford Nebraska, and Kimberley (Jeremy) Wells of Gering Nebraska. His grandchildren Laura, Kael, Nathan and Kairi, a host of nieces and nephews, his girlfriend Diane Ehlers, and his many beloved Rask cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Daniel Joseph, and his sister Vickie McCune.
Mike didn’t want a funeral or anyone fussing about him, so we’ll do what he loved, we’ll eat, visit, share memories and tell stories on Saturday October 30, 2021 beginning at 2 p.m. at the Gordon American Legion, Gordon Nebraska.
Expressions of sympathy and memorial contributions may be sent to the family at 409 Cambridge Ave., Hot Springs, SD 57747.