Richard "Dick" Abels

Richard “Dick” Walter Abels was born August 23, 1935 in Omaha, Nebraska to Walter and Mildred (Raveling) Abels. Dick grew up in Omaha and graduated from Omaha North High School in 1953. As a young man, Dick enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball, playing cards, pheasant hunting, and house painting. Dick married Bonnie Baustert on June 23, 1956 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Omaha, and to this union, 5 children were born; Dave, Denise, Diane, Doug, and Dan. Dick and Bonnie made their home in Omaha. Dick was a man who often held more than one job at a time. He worked as a Warehouse manager, the Assistant Manager at a grocery store, was the Owner/Operator of Central Van, a mechanic for Metz Baking, and was a Real Estate Agent for CBS Homes. When he wasn’t working, Dick could be found working on cars or playing computer games. He was an avid book reader, and loved playing cards, going fishing, and working the Sunday cross-word puzzle. He was a fan of country music and the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and enjoyed a good steak, a cold Diet Coke, or hot coffee, and dinner at Outback Steakhouse. Dick will be remembered as a hard-working, honest man, who could hold a conversation with anyone about anything. He was quick to nap, but also quick to wake up, and pick right up on the conversation going on nearby. He was happy to move to Emmetsburg, Iowa after his retirement in 1999, and was an active church council member at First United Methodist Church in Emmetsburg. Dick was kind enough to volunteer to read to the school kids, and deliver Meals-On-Wheels, as well. He was annoyed with people who cheated at card games, but happy to host the slow-pitch softball team after games. He was proud of getting remarried to Mary (Kirkegaard) Abels, and cherished his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Dick passed away on Monday, May 14, 2018 at Valhaven Nursing Home in Valley, Nebraska at the age of 82 years, 8 months, and 22 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Chuck and sister Dorothy Gordon. Dick is survived by his children: Dave (Kathy) of Aurora, CO, Denise (Jami) Morton, Diane Totusek, Doug (Cheri), and Dan (Jennifer) all of Omaha; brother Ron (Kathy) Abels of Ballwin, MO, wife Mary of Emmetsburg, IA and many Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews Abels, Richard “Dick” W., 82 of Valley, died May 14. Preceded by parents, brother Chuck and sister Dorothy Gordon. Survived by children: Dave(Kathy) of Aurora, CO, Denise (Jami) Morton, Diane Totusek, Doug (Cheri), and Dan (Jennifer) all of Omaha; brother Ron (Kathy) Abels of Ballwin, MO, wife Mary of Emmettsburg, IA and many Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews. Visitation Thursday from 9-11 AM with Memorial Service at 11 AM all at the funeral home in Elkhorn.

Richard "Dick" Abels

August 23, 1935 - May 14, 2018