Richard G. Starr

He was born November 5, 1946, in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois to Chester G. and Gretchen Daub Starr. Rich often shared stories of childhood experiences with his siblings. He especially loved the neighborhood park and spent many hours playing with siblings and friends before being called home for dinner by his mother ringing the cowbell. He also reflected fondly on his adventures in Greece when they traveled there for his father’s occupation.

He attended MacMurray college in Jacksonville, Illinois and graduated with a bachelors in Political Science. At MacMurray, his pranks and escapades created MacMurray traditions and entertaining memories. There, he made many lifelong friends affectionately known as the “Mac Group.” The family would especially like to thank the Steve and Julie Hansen family for sixty years of love, friendship, and support. The Starrs and Hansens raised their families together and went on many unforgettable vacations.

Rich had many interests and hobbies. He was an avid reader of books, magazines, and daily newspapers. He enjoyed playing tennis, going on Sunday walks with friends, and making homemade strawberry jam. He worked for many years at the Veterans Administration as a Human Resource Director including in Tomah, Wisconsin; Huntington, West Virginia; Nashville, Tennessee; Hampton, Virginia; Iron Mountain, Michigan; and Lincoln, Nebraska. After retiring from the VA, he worked in Human Resources for the State of Nebraska. In retirement, he volunteered at Zeman Elementary School, Gere Library, and with Aging Partners.

On March 17, 1979, in Hampton, Virginia, he married Joyce Ann Hudson. Rich described meeting Joyce as “one of the luckiest days of my life.” They were blessed with three daughters. He was an exceptional husband and father and devoted many hours to his family. He spoiled a family of girls by cooking nightly dinners, reading books aloud, coaching athletic teams, trips to the Lied Center for Performing Arts, and assisting with school work. He always supported his family’s religious, educational, and professional pursuits. That support and love extended to his six adored granddaughters.

He is survived by his wife Joyce Hudson Starr; daughters: Catherine Habel, Melissa Starr, and Theresa Starr (Katherine Becker); granddaughters: Abby, Mia, Davina, Alyssa, Lucy and Lainey; siblings Jennifer Johnson (Michael) and Thomas Starr (Marilynn); and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents: Chester G. Starr and Gretchen Daub Starr and twin sister Deborah Sessions.

Since 2014, Rich battled Parkinson’s Disease. He endured the disease’s relentless progression with courage, grace, and acceptance. The family would like to express their appreciation for the wonderful attention and care provided to him by his caregivers and hospice team. Rich will be remembered for his kindness, quick wit, and sense of humor.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10:00 am at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68512.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or charity of your choice.