Richard Paul Blake

Richard Paul Blake, age 84, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on January 29, 2026. He was born June 18, 1941, in Topeka, Kansas, to William and Mary Blake. He grew up in Topeka and graduated from high school there. After graduation, he moved with his family to Lincoln, Nebraska.

Richard’s entire career was with the same company, devoting 37 years of steady, faithful work to Security Mutual Life (now Assurity) in Lincoln. He took great pride in having advanced from the mail room to Vice President in charge of Policy Holders Services at his retirement.

He also served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, being drafted in February 1966 and serving through February 1968, attaining the rank of Corporal.

On September 20, 1968, Richard married Valerie Uffelman Luedtke at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Lincoln, where they were long time members. Together they made their home in Lincoln for several years, before moving to Martell, near Bluestem Lake. After retirement, they moved to Naponee in 1996 where they were active in the community and members of the Naponee Wesleyan Church. They returned to Lincoln in June 2024.

Richard loved the outdoors and spent much of his free time outside. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, and training German Shorthaired Pointer hunting dogs for Field Trials. He was a long-time member of the German Shorthaired Pointers Club of Lincoln, serving in numerous administrative capacities, including President.

Richard was a gifted handyman having renovated many homes for family and friends. At one point, he even converted a forty-eight-passenger school bus into a VW Rally Yellow and white camper for family trips! There were many family vacations and weekend camping trips in “the big yellow canary” in pursuit of time together and spending time outdoors .

Richard and Valerie traveled frequently after retirement, together and with others. They visited 45 of the 50 United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. They travelled to Canada multiple times fishing. They were also devoted Nebraska Cornhusker Football and Volleyball fans, having travelled to Ireland for a football game.

Richard passed away from Parkinson's disease which was brought on from his contact with Agent Orange during his time in Vietnam.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his bride, Valerie; three sons, Greg (Ruth) Luedtke, Randy (Pamela - deceased) Luedtke, both of Lincoln, and Scott (Sharill) Luedtke of Martell; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ronald and William Blake; and many friends.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Naponee Wesleyan Church, Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 1:30 PM. There will be a carry-in meal prior.

A memorial service for Richard will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home located at 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. Desserts will be served following the service.

Please consider one of the following for memorial donations in Richard's honor. Naponee Wesleyan Church, American Cancer Society, Gideon Bible.