Rick E. Klassen

NORFOLK -- Funeral service for Rick E. Klassen, 68, of Norfolk will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at Northern Heights Baptist Church, rural Norfolk. Officiating the service will be Pastor Matt Gilmore. Burial will take place at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Evergreen Cemetery in St. Edward, NE. There will be a luncheon to follow burial at the St. Edward Christian Community Church Parish Hall. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Monday, at Stonacek Funeral Chapel, Norfolk. Rick passed away, with family by his side, on Friday, August 18, 2023 at the Faith Regional Hospital in Norfolk. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Rick was born on September 16, 1954 on the Barksdale Airforce Base in Shreveport, LA to Raymond and Anna Marie “Amy” (Jacobson) Klassen. He attended Country School District # 47 rural St. Edward, graduating from St. Edward High School in 1972. Rick loved farming and nothing made him happier than being in the field on his IH 806 tractor. He had a passion for the land and enjoyed seeing a new crop emerge each year. Rick loved football, especially watching the Cornhuskers, everything came to a stop on game day so he could watch them play. Rick loved fishing with friends, watching western shows, listening to music, and eating sweets that his sister would make him. Rick moved to Norfolk in 1997 and worked at Prenger’s for 16 years. Rick married Elinor “Ellie” Tompkins on June 20, 2009. Rick had the personality and charisma to make friends no matter the situation. His laugh was infectious. Rick was a guy with simple tastes of jeans, Husker t-shirts, and camo sweatshirts. Rick was a great guy whose impact will be forever felt by his family that loves him dearly. His passing has left an unfillable gap in the hearts of his loved ones. His ability to support, forgive, and love will be forever engrained in all he knew. Rick had a strong faith in his Lord Jesus Christ and was a member of Northern Heights Baptist Church in Norfolk. Rick, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother is survived by his wife Ellie Tompkins-Klassen of Norfolk, children Heath Klassen of Lincoln, Scott Klassen of Lincoln, Brittany Klassen of Grand Island, 3 grandchildren Lily, Kaiden, and Jordan, sisters Annette Klassen (Doug Kunzman) of Lincoln, Mary Jo (Darin) Fay of Sioux City, IA, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Rick was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Anna Marie “Amy”, and brother Michael. The family requests that memorials be made to the Liberty Centre in Norfolk. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Rick E. Klassen

September 16, 1954 - August 18, 2023