Rich grew up hunting, fishing and camping. He was an avid gardener throughout his life and he and Lisa created a backyard oasis which is the background of a ton of memories . He was a great cook who would try any recipe once, some turned out awful and others turned into family staples. He could and would build anything his family asked for, even at the cost of a few fingertips. Rich was such a Husker fan he created a special dance to the fight song. It was kind of like a toy monkey with cymbals, but full of passion. He was a wrestler himself and supported his sons in the sport. He loved his kids so dearly, he even went on a couple overseas airplane trips. Very late in life he discovered a love of geology.
Most knew Rich as the Grinch, a name well earned by his mischievousness as much as his large, generous heart. He loved deeply, generously, even painfully. He was loved in return.
The Grinch was full of pranks- jump scares, ice water in showers, frozen marbles in bed, and endless tickles, that should have ended well before Lisa told him to stop torturing the grandkids. He was a born storyteller, often based mostly in fact. A dear friend recently described Rich as a self proclaimed ladies man.
Rich was generous always. He was a volunteer firefighter and EMT while he lived in Schuyler. He would help any friends or neighbors – he would say for the cost of a beer, but everyone knew he would (1) bring his own beer and (2) help for free. He donated both money and items he would build, to community fundraisers and the United Way. Grinch was a huge advocate for public education, primarily through purchase of Nebraska Lottery tickets.
Rich’s family is grateful for the staff of Havelock Manor for their love and patience…meow.
Rich lived like these lyrics from one of his favorite Roger Clyne songs:
Keep it simple
Don’t confuse your wants with your needs
Believe in love
Forsake your greed
Give away what you want to receive
Family members include wife, Lisa, Lincoln; children Jacob (Jennifer) Ball, Colorado Springs, CO, Heather Rhea, Lincoln, Sandy (Josh) Martinek, Colorado Springs, CO, and Caleb (Marie) Rhea, Lincoln; grandchildren August, Nola, Lydia, Amelia, Gabe, Nico, Leo and Bjorn; siblings Norman (Edilia) Ball of Tucson, AZ, Sharon Johnson, Sheila Seyfried both of Holdrege, NE, Shelly Ball, Boise, ID. Numerous extended family members and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, sister Shirley, and brother Gary.
Celebration Gathering 3:00-6:00 p.m., Friday February 16, 2024, in the Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel Reception Facility, 4300 ‘O’ Street. Please park in the WEST parking lot of the Funeral Home for direct access to the reception area.
Memorials may be given the Alzheimer’s Association of Nebraska or the United Way.