Richard D. Buckendahl

NORFOLK – Funeral service for Richard D. Buckendahl, 71, of Norfolk will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk. Pastor Eric Gradberg will be officiating the service. Interment will be at the Stanton Cemetery, Stanton. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk. Richard passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Richard Dale Buckendahl was born July 8th 1953, the fifth and last child of Anne Marie (Peters) and William Jr. Buckendahl. He always said that they stopped with perfection. Rich was born and raised on his family farm South of Stanton, where he worked the fields and tended to the livestock. His youth was filled with happy memories, family, and lots of work. He graduated from Stanton High School in 1971. September 20th of 1975, Rich married Jo Ann Volbrecht, and the couple moved to the family farm. The young couple started their family and welcomed two boys, Joe and Jeff to the world. During this time, Rich was working towards his dream of continuing the family tradition of farming, and farrowing sows. He was also working at the packing house in Madison to make sure the family was cared for. In 1981, the family moved to Madison Nebraska where they saw troubles and triumph. The young family survived a devastating fire, but also welcomed their baby girl, Mindy. During these years, Jo Anns mental health started to decline and sadly, the couple divorced. Rich and the kids moved to Beemer Nebraska where he worked at Beemer Pig Coop. He raised his three children on his own and created a lifetime of memories, instilling positive values, and a deep-seated love of the outdoors and Husker football into them. Rich assured that his kids never went without. He devoted his heart and soul into assuring they were cared for and loved. He never missed a game or a concert. In 1997, after Joe had graduated, Rich, Jeff, and Mindy moved to Norfolk Nebraska. During these years, Rich worked at Tractor Supply Company, Bethphage, and then the Norfolk Veterans Home. In 2000, Richard bought 13 acres South of Norfolk, and turned this property into a hobby farmers dream. Raising at 1 time or another, bucket calves, pigs, goats, chickens, turkeys, and bees (best local honey from a totally unbiased opinion). In 2006, Richard married Melissa Miller. The couple enjoyed spending time with children/grandchildren, playing penny slots at the casino, and traveling. Richards final job prior to retirement was at Countryside Home in Madison. He cherished his years in healthcare. Making lifelong friendships and memories. Always saying how he missed all the hugs he received. After retirement, Rich spent his years, gardening (he always had the best gardening and canning advice and tips), woodworking (he made many furniture pieces that will be cherished forever), tinkering, and attending his grandchildren’s events. The world will never be the same without his kindness, bright smile, contagious laugh, reassuring wink, witty sense of humor, and the warmest hugs anyone could imagine. He had a way about him that radiated positivity. He always gave compliments, to see the smile on another’s face. He said “Compliments are free, might as well give them.”. Richard is proceeded in death by his father, mother, and his first love, Jo Ann Buckendahl. He is survived by his two son, Jeff (Mary) Buckendahl of Hoskins, Joe (Tracie Davis) Buckendahl of Omaha, daughter Mindy (Josh Nienaber) Buckendahl of Norfolk. 10 grandchildren, Colby Erickson, Machella Buckendahl, Brody Buckendahl, Amilio Diaz, Alex Jaras, Angelo Diaz, Isaiah Buckendahl, Denali Buckendahl, and Dominic and Danika Nienaber, and 1 great grandchild, Kallee Diaz. Casket bearers will be Joshua Nienaber, Dominic Nienaber, Colby Erickson, Brody Buckendahl, Bill Ohlson, and Zach Hurley. Per Richs request, in lieu of flowers, all memorial offerings will be sent to St. Jude.

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Richard D. Buckendahl

July 8, 1953 - September 12, 2024