ROBERT MICHAEL “MIKE” COLE

1949-2021

Robert Michael Cole, eldest of eight children of Robert Allen and Marjorie Elizabeth (Flack) Cole, was born June 16, 1949, in Omaha, Nebraska. Mike, as he was known throughout his life, was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Auburn, Nebraska. He attended Auburn Public Schools, graduating in 1967. Mike went on to earn his degree in History at Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska.

Mike worked for a while at Auburn Consolidated Industries in Auburn, then at KAUB Radio Station, and then Sack Lumber. In 1985 he moved to Beatrice, Nebraska to work at Mead Lumber Yard. In 1993 Mike semi-retired and began driving vehicles for Spady-Runcie Chevrolet in Beatrice. He traveled to 44 of the 50 states before retiring in 2009.

An avid sports fan, Mike followed the Huskers and the Bulldogs, although often not in person. He always knew how his nieces and nephews were doing in their sports activities. Mike was an athlete himself, participating in high school sports and attending PSC on a cross country scholarship. He continued to run for pleasure and his health into his late 60’s.

Mike loved to bowl and play chess, winning many trophies and awards in both. He helped high school kids with their chess game, and in his earlier years was a volunteer with Little League baseball in Auburn. Mike also visited the library in Beatrice every day to read the papers, get on the internet, or just research items of interest. He could remember a lot of family stories, people, and dates so was dubbed the “family historian”.

Experiencing health issues in recent months, Mike became a resident of Beatrice Health and Rehabilitation in late August of 2021. It was there he passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021, at the age of 72 years, 3 months, and 1 day. His parents and brother Rick preceded him in death.

Mike is survived by his siblings and their spouses Cathy and Dave Pierson of Omaha, Allison and Leroy Caspers of Tecumseh, Larry and Dianne Cole of Beatrice, Steve and Cindy Cole of Auburn, Chris and Gene McNeely of Auburn, Bert and Shannon Cole of Auburn; many nieces and nephews and their children; his aunt Lois Smith of Murietta, California; many cousins, other relatives, and friends.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. Brent Cole officiated and Wes DeBuhr assisted with the message. Honorary bearers were Cathy Pierson, Allison Caspers, Larry Cole, Steve Cole, Chris McNeely, and Bert Cole. Burial of ashes was in Holy Cross Cemetery near Auburn.

Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.

Nemaha County Herald

PO Box 250
Auburn, NE 68305
PH: (402) 274-3185
FAX: (402) 274-3273

ROBERT MICHAEL “MIKE” COLE | The Nemaha County Herald

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