A memorial service for Richard D. Gustafson will be held on Monday, February 19, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Moses Hill Evangelical Covenant Church in rural Phelps County, Nebraska with Pastor Brad Perry officiating. Interment will be held prior to the service at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege, Nebraska, with Military Honors provided by the Martin-Horn American Legion Post #66 in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.
Richard “Dick” Dale Gustafson, of Holdrege, NE, ascended into heaven on February 5, 2024, at the age of 70. Richard was compassionate and humble who led his life through the teachings of Christ. His kind spirit and caring manner will live on in our hearts forever.
Richard was born in Holdrege, on April 16, 1953, the eldest of six children, born to Duane “Dick” and Virginia (Waller) Gustafson. He received his education from Holdrege Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1971. He pursued higher education at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Post graduation, Richard was a licensed electrician in Nebraska and Colorado. His next journey of life was serving our country that he loved. In June 1975, he enlisted in the United States Army and was active with the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was awarded the Parachute Badge and was honorably discharged on June 5, 1981.
After years away from Holdrege, Richard followed his heart and returned to his roots, family, and friends. Being a Waller, farming was always in his genes and he quickly became engaged with the family farming business. For the past 12 years, he worked at the Bergman Farm. His meticulous ways and the precision of his work habits were obvious to others. One always knew which fields were planted by Richard.
At an early age, Richard found a passion for the sport of hunting. Many hunting stories and memories were forged throughout the years. Friends and relatives would travel from out of state where Richard enjoyed guiding their hunts. Like many avid hunters, he had a favorite pastime of shopping at Cabela’s. Throughout the years, he developed a passion for photography, capturing the beauty of nature during his many travels to Costa Rica, Panama, and Hawaii. Among his adventures to these coastal destinations, he enjoyed scuba diving and the open waters.
Richard was an avid reader and his favorite book was the Bible. Never far from the “word”, he had a Bible in every room of his home. Moses Hill Church was his recent place of worship. He shared his faith and extensive understanding of scripture through a weekly Bible study which he found very rewarding. Richard was a wonderful brother and the Patriarch of his siblings, whom he loved dearly. Conversing about daily events and watching movies was a special time he shared with them.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother-in-law, Kenneth Spalding.
He is survived by his sisters: Brenda Spalding of Plano, Texas; Julie (Charlie) Chapin of Scottsdale, Arizona; Sally Fox of Holdrege; and Traci (George) Sgouros of Scottsdale; his brother, William Gustafson of Phoenix, Arizona; seven nieces and nephews, Nickolas Fox of Hastings, Natalie Fox of Hong Kong, China; Aaron and Brianna Chapin of Phoenix; Jonathan, Zoe, and Gianna Sgouros of Scottsdale; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Richard’s honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com.
The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.