Marlene (Ficke) Ford  
Marlene Kay (Ficke) Ford
Married to Norman L. Ford (LHS Class of '54) for 49 years.
Children: Julie K. Ford, 47, M.D. (Psychiatric Medicine) Huntington Woods, MI; Gregory A. Ford, 46, (Auctioneer-Co-Owner of Ford & Ford Auctioneers, Inc. & Appraiser), Lincoln, NE; Linda S. (Ford) Handke, 43, (Medical Coder) Lincoln, NE; Russell B. (Rusty) Ford, 36, (Pharmaceutical Representative: Glaxo-Smith-Kline) Lincoln, NE. Nine Grandchildren: 5 Grand-sons-including twins; 4 Grand-daughters.
Norm and I were fortunate to have four healthy children who kept us "busy" at home for 30 consecutive years---1958-1988. Our lives have always revolved around the family and Norm's work. With the addition of daughters-in-laws and sons-in-laws and nine grandchildren, our family has grown from 6 to 18. The youngest grandchild is 1 year, with the oldest being 19 years.
We lived in Superior, NE for 7 years, where Norm was employed by Ideal Cement Co. He was transferred to Knoxville, TN where we lived for 7 years, before returning to Lincoln, NE in 1971. He and our son Greg own the auctioneering and appraisal firm of Ford & Ford Auctioneers, Inc. I joined the firm in 1994, and support the family business as secretary/treasurer.
We have enjoyed the usual volunteer opportunities with the children including coaching sports, girl/boy scout leaders, school, church and community participation. We enjoy/enjoyed water & snow skiing, golf & playing bridge. I like to travel and Norm likes to hunt, fish and garden.
We still work full-time, and we don't mean 40 hours a week! Our firm is very well respected and very busy. Norm generally works 7 days a week. I try to limit my schedule to 5 days a week, but it is often more! We do not have much idle time!
Generally, our business is traditionally slow due between December 15 and February 15, so we do get a good block of time to travel or to just be at home.
We still place family first, and enjoy being included in our children's and grandchildren's multitude of activities. Between adult children, grandchildren and work, we are 100% busy! No time or desire to grown old!