Vernon Reutzel, age 85, of North Platte, died April 11, 2014 at Centennial Park Retirement Center. He was born on July 18, 1928 in Maxwell, NE to Charles and Kathryn (Connelly) Reutzel. Vernon grew up on a farm near Maxwell and attended high school at Maxwell where he was captain of the football team. On October 12, 1947, Vernon married Colleen Thomsen in North Platte. They raised 7 children together. Vernon farmed and did dozer and terrace work south of Maxwell until 1963. He moved his family to California and worked as a mechanic for a Ford garage until 1970. He moved his family back to North Platte and worked for UPRR as a machinist and welder, retiring on June 28, 1993. Vernon was a member of the First Lutheran Church, and was a past 4-H leader. Vernon and Colleen also raised 27 foster children in their home. He loved being outdoors. He took several trips with his family to Colorado every year for a camping and fishing trips. He always had a huge garden and his fruit trees were his pride. He liked to watch the trees bloom, garden grow, and watching the simple things like rabbits, squirrels, and birds.     Survivors include his wife Colleen of North Platte; 6 children, Doris E. (Doug) Howard of North Platte, Gustive Reutzel of North Platte, Mickie A. Kniep of Columbus, Paula S. (Jeff) Yoachim of Bellevue, Theresa M. Davis of North Platte, and Alan S. Reutzel of Sioux City, IA; a son-in–law, Bob Bowker of North Platte 2 sisters, Donna (Dale) Gunn of Lusk, WY, and Karen Imoe of Kittredge, CO; 12 grandchildren, Melissa Ross, Gus Reel, Danika Reutzel, Desiree Reutzel, Ashley (Ben) Aloi, Amber (Adam) Plaster, Austin Kniep, Sara Larson, Nicolas Davis, Bryce Vernon Reutzel, Mackenzie Reutzel, and Stacy (Dave) Walker; 13-great-grandchildren, Les, Jeff, Nita, Leanne, Gander, Eden, Riley, Pyper, Kaitlyn, Jace, Ricky, Anastacia, and Autumn; and two great-great-grandchildren, Zaden and Gage. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Jack, Dean, Boyd, Neil, and Keith; and his daughter Verlien. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Nebraska Kidney Association ot the Callihan Cancer Center, and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com . Services will be 10:30 Tuesday April 15, 2014 at the First Lutheran Church with the Rev. Frank Fitch officiating. Burial will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Monday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6-8. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.