Richard Ralph Jensen, 94, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away September 11, 2026. Born March 13, 1932, in Wayne, Nebraska, Richard was the son of Ivar C. and Anna H. (Schroeder) Jensen and grew up as part of a very large family. He graduated from Wayne High School in 1950. Soon after, he moved to Lincoln, a community that would remain home for the rest of his life. In Lincoln, Richard began what became a 44-year career with Goodyear Manufacturing, as a laborer.
Richard and his future bride, Kathleen “Kassy” Langan, were drawn together often through family gatherings, as Richard’s oldest brother and Kassy’s oldest sister were married. Richard and Kassy were married March 17, 1951, and made their home in Lincoln, where they raised their three children.
Family life was marked by togetherness and tradition, including a family vacation every year. Their travels included a trip to the 1962 World’s Fair in Seattle, Washington, where they saw the new Space Needle; Niagara Falls, where 12-year-old Rick was accidently left behind in the gift shop while the rest of the family went on the tour; and favorite destinations such as Colorado and Yellowstone/Black Hills. They also enjoyed the occasional family reunion in Oakland, Nebraska. After retirement, Richard and Kassy continued to travel, often taking their camper to Wyoming to visit Richard’s brother Bob.
Over the years, Richard had many interests and hobbies. He hunted with his German Short-Haired dog, Duke, and enjoyed the open road on several motorcycles, often riding with friends. With practical know-how, he fixed TVs and small engines. After acquiring a radial arm saw, he turned his attention to building—crafting Purple Martin birdhouses, a beautiful round picnic table, a wishing well, and work benches, and even building an outside brick fireplace. He also tried his hand at taxidermy and brewing beer.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Kassy; his parents, Ivar and Anna Schroeder; all of his siblings, Inez (infant), Chet, Annabelle, Art, Delbert, Donald (6 yrs), Robert and half-siblings, Genevieve, Ina May, Kathleen and Phillip. He is survived by his children Carol (Conrad) Woerner, sons Rick (Katherine) and Rod (Wendy) Jensen; grandchildren Heidi Johnston, Jeremy Woerner, Shane (Michelle) Jensen, Travis (Julie) Jensen, Kylie (Charles) Allen and Max (Nicki) Jensen; 10 great-grandchildren; and many other family members and close friends.
Visitation: 9:00 am to 10:00 am, Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, immediately followed by the Funeral Service at 10:00 am. A reception will be held after the burial in the lower level of the funeral home.
