In his younger years, he worked as a ranch hand out in the sandhills and trimmed trees. Dick proudly served in the United States Army from February 1952 to November 1953. After meeting and marrying Dee, he worked at York Pack for 28 years, Goldleaf for 7 years, and drove parts for John Deere for 16 years.
Dick and Dee loved taking motorcycle trips traveling all over the U.S. and into Canada. They were members of the Modern Knights and CMA Motorcycle clubs. He “retired” from riding at the age of 82.
He is preceded in death by his wife Dee, son Gene, parents, sister ‘Dot’ (LeRoy) Haack, brother Robert (Bob) Ellis, brother Donald, sister Onabel, and nephews Lonnie Haack and Jerry Ellis.
Dick is survived by daughter Susan (Allan) Zavodny of York, daughter-in-law Sandy Ellis and Mike of Lincoln, grandchildren Justin Zavodny of Las Vegas, NV, Stephanie Rice and Rich of York, Clayton (Brittany) Ellis of Papillion, and great grandchildren Caleb, Hunter, Tristan, Bradley, Cody, Luke, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 pm Friday, June 23, 2023 at Metz Chapel in York. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-8pm Thursday, June 22, 2023 with family greeting friends from 6-7 pm that same evening at the mortuary in York. Memorials may be sent to family for future designation.