Alan “Skeeter” Ratkovec, 63 years, of Lincoln, formerly O’Neill, NE, passed away unexpectedly, March 5, 2016. Skeeter was born in David City, NE on June 23, 1952.
Skeeter grew up in David City on the farm with his grandparents Fred and Mary Hunt. He moved to North Bend to attended high school where he met and then married his high school sweetheart Bev Kavan. Skeeter graduated in 1970. He and Bev were married on September 2, 1972. In their early years they lived in Octavia, Abie, and Linwood before moving to O’Neill where they resided for 27 years. There they raised their three children Paula “PJ”, Jason and Kolby.
Skeeter had a variety of occupations including farming, truck driving, tractor sales, seed sales, crop consulting, window and siding sales, and many multi-level marking companies before finding his dream job in financial services helping people.
Skeeter and Bev moved to Lincoln in 2004 so they could be close to their children and spoil their grandkids. He enjoyed being a part of any and everything his kids and grandkids were involved in. Skeet would be cheering words of encouragement and support at his grandkids baseball, basketball, softball, gymnastics, wrestling, football, and soccer games. He went to every band and music concert, grandparents day, school and religious events, birthday, anniversary, graduations, wedding or any party that he could invite himself to. He was proud of all his children and especially his grandbabies. He was the best grandpa ever.
Skeeter loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working outside with his family and friends. He always helped anyone in need, neighbors, to strangers. He was a friend and servant to everyone that crossed his path.
Skeeter positively influenced many, many lives with his infectious smile, his optimistic attitude, his encouraging words, and his sense of humor. He continually found ways to make other people’s lives better, and would be there in a second if you needed him. He counseled and inspired so many. His gift of making people smile will continue through the memories of all the people who came in contact with him.
God gained a special angel. Skeeter had a way of making people feel loved, like they were the only one in the room. He is one in six billion. He’s an amazing man who left such a positive mark on the world. If everyone had a little bit of “Skeeter” in them, the world would be a better place.