Richard L. Kempkes

Richard L. Kempkes, age 93, was born March 23, 1932, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and passed away March 19, 2026. A hard-working and devoted man, Richard built a life defined by steady service to family, faith, and community.

Richard was the son of Herman and Francis (Royal) Kempkes. He graduated from Bennet High School in 1950.

Richard served in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1954, stationed in Chicago aboard a PCE894 ship, where he served as a cook to those who were training. After his military service, he dedicated himself to the work he knew and loved—life on the land. He bred and raised Ayrshire dairy cows and worked as a cattle farmer and crop farmer on a farm near Bennet.

On October 22, 1952, Richard married Shirley Tychsen. Together they raised their family, welcoming children Randy, Kevin, Cindy, and Bruce.

Richard enjoyed watching Westerns on TV, spending time at local sale barns, spending time on the farm with his cattle, and most of all, watching his grandchildren compete in sporting events.

Richard gave generously of his time and leadership. He served on the Organizing Committee for Rural Water District for 10 years, on the Palmyra-Bennet School Board for 8 years and as Dairy Superintendent for FFA at the State Fair for 20 years. He was a member of the Ayrshire Breeders Association since 1966 and served as a 4-H local leader for over 35 years. Richard was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church where he served on the Church Board for 5 years. He was also a member of the Bennet American Legion.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his parents; his son, Kevin; and his sister and brother-in-law, Barb (Arden) Nitz.

Richard is survived by his sons Randy (Vicki) and Bruce (Kristi) Kempkes, and his daughter Cindy (Gayln) Boesiger; grandchildren Kristin (Donato), Katie (Andy), Kelsey (Hunter), Kourtney (Nathan), Caden, and Kaleb; great-grandchildren Camryn, Jenna, Sophia, Vincent, Ellie, Maverick, Collins, and Campbell; brothers Duane (Janet) and Harold Kempkes; and daughter-in-law Kathy (Monte) Grossnicklaus. Honorary grandson Chase Peterson.

The family will greet friends at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. To honor Richard's request, he was cremated.

A memorial service for Richard will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5315 S 162nd Street, Walton, Nebraska 68461. Richard will inurned at Lincoln Memorial Park and Cemetery, 6700 South 14th Street, Lincoln, where the family will have a graveside service with Military Honors, starting at 2 pm.

Memorials to the family for future designation.