RICHARD L. STICH

1937-2018
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Richard L. Stich, one of two children of Arthur and Esther (Strelow) Stich, was born January 22, 1937, at Miss Minnie’s, a midwife, in Crete, Nebraska. He went to school in Dorchester and Crete, and graduated from Lincoln High School in Lincoln, Nebraska. Dick entered the Nebraska National Guard on February 1, 1954. He served with Company B 734th Ordinance Battalion based in Lincoln. Dick received his honorable discharge on January 31, 1957. In 1955 Dick was united in marriage to Bettye Thomas. They were blessed with a daughter, Tari. Dick and Bettye were married for 18 years until her death in 1976. On November 11, 1977, Dick married Susan Vana in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1979 they moved to Peru, Nebraska, where they lived for 20 years until moving to rural Brock, Nebraska. Dick worked as a salesman and sales supervisor for French’s Mustard Company in Omaha for 15 years. In 1979 he and Sue opened Krazy Dick’s Grocery in Peru, and later started up Krazy Dick’s Too in Brownville. After selling the Peru store and closing the one in Brownville, Dick worked as an auctioneer for many years before opening Dick Stich Realty in Auburn. Dick was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church near Julian, Nebraska. He was a member, and longtime commander, of American Legion Post #23 in Auburn. He served as Mayor of Peru for multiple terms, and worked hard with state senators and others to keep Peru State College in Peru. A lover of cars, Dick owned many collector cars through the years. He was a 40 plus year member of the Studebaker Club, and was a huge NASCAR fan. He loved to visit with people, and was well known throughout a large area. Dick got a kick out of rubbing elbows with politicians, but equally enjoyed the general public. Dick’s health suffered in recent years, and he was hospitalized numerous times. He entered St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Lincoln most recently. It was there he passed away, on Saturday, January 13, 2018, just 9 days short of his 81st birthday. In addition to his first wife Bettye, Dick was preceded in death by his parents. Those left to remember Dick’s love and laughter include his wife Sue of Brock; daughter Tari Westfall of Laguna Niguel, Calif.; granddaughter Niki (Jesse) Jaimes of Santa Ana, Calif.; great-grandson Jackson; sister Lucy (Harold) Speth of Waverly; sisterin- law Kathy (Mike) Tynon of Peru; brother-in-law Steve Vana of Walnut Creek, Calif.; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, January 20, at St. Bernard Catholic Church near Julian officiated by Rev. Michael Ventre. Kevin Boos and the church choir accompanied congregational singing. Casket bearers were Jay Adams, Bryan Bequette, Jeff Sittler, Mike Fujan, Jim Wehenkel, Dallas McMann, and Rick Mason. Honorary bearers were Kayla Falk, Teresa Breazile, Jackie Gfeller, Lorry VanGundy, Janelle Byfield, Mary Wehenkel, and Tracy Betts. Burial was at Lincoln Memorial Park in Lincoln, with graveside military honors by American Legion Post #23 of Auburn and the Nebraska National Guard Honors Detail. 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

RICHARD L. STICH | The Nemaha County Herald

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