Darty Schilke to be inducted into NE Cowboy Hall of Fame

The 16th annual Nebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame has announced its 2021 list of inductees.
There are a total of nine Nebraska cowboys selected—five will be recognized posthumously and four honored at a banquet and induction ceremony on June 5 at the Cherry County Fairgrounds in Valentine.
Dorman “Darty” Schilke of Chase County is one of the four inductees being given this prestigious honor.
The organization’s mission is to honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the western lifestyle or horse culture in the areas of competition, business or support of rodeo and Western arts and entertainment.
He didn’t realize it, but Schilke has spent his entire life preparing for this unexpected moment.
“I was out working in the yard when Marla (his wife) came running out of the house calling me and waving a piece of paper in the air. At first I wondered what was wrong, then I saw she was smiling and knew it must be good news,” Schilke said.
Schilke said when he read the letter he was shocked—stunned—just couldn’t believe it.
Schilke grew up on a family farm/ranch. It was the only life he knew.
“When I was about four years old, my older brother of two years started calling me ‘Darty.’ I didn’t mind because I never really cared for Dorman anyway. The name ‘Darty’ just stuck, and that’s all I’ve ever been known as since,” he said.
In 1959, around the time they were married, Schilke started his own small farming/ranching operation.
Over the years it grew until now he has his own feedlot.
Schilke’s children, Russ (now deceased), son Mark and daughter Deb Harmon, were involved in the operation their whole lives, Schilke said.
“Deb owns her own beauty shop and Mark still runs the operation with me,” he added.
Schilke still works from the back of a horse.
“We spend at least once a week bringing up calves to the fire to brand,” said Schilke.
Schilke and his neighbors all help each other with the branding and always have.
“Branding is an all–day deal—I love to do it,” he added.
“I also love to rope. I used to team rope,” he said.
His wife, Marla, and children Mark and Deb nominated Schilke for the Cowboy Hall of Fame about a year ago, unbeknownst to him.
“I guess they were sworn to secrecy while waiting to see if anything came of it,” Schilke said chuckling.
“They had to promise not to tell they nominated me,” he added.
When he was notified that he had been selected as an inductee, daughter Deb said, “I am so proud of him, and I think he deserves it.”
This is a fantastic award, and he is very humbled by it, said Marla.
 “This is the greatest honor of my life,” Schilke said.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased to attend the induction ceremony through Rod Palmer at 402-387-2212 or P.O. Box 127, Ainsworth, NE 69210, or email Tiffany Barthel at tiffbarthel@gmail.com or any board member.