Richard Wayne Wollenburg, of DeWitt, passed away at Heritage Crossings in Geneva on May 7, 2026, at the age of 94.
Born in Beatrice on March 22, 1932, Richard was a lifelong resident of DeWitt and farmed in rural Gage County his entire life. He was a dedicated, hardworking individual who devoted his life to agriculture, farming on his own land until his retirement. Richard was baptized and confirmed at First Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Beatrice; and was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in DeWitt, where he served various roles, displaying his commitment to his faith and community.
Richard graduated from DeWitt High School with the class of 1949. He later enlisted in the Army and was a proud veteran, serving his country in the United States Army from 1952 until 1954. Upon returning from the Army, Dick continued farming and feeding cattle with his brother, Eldon. Dick also enjoyed spending time playing baseball and softball on the DeWitt teams during this time of his life. He also served on the DeWitt Volunteer Fire Department for many years.
Richard married Alice Novotny on April 22, 1967, in Lincoln. They were blessed with two daughters, Peggy and Connie. He was a devoted husband and father, and as the family grew, a father-in-law and proud grandpa. He prioritized spending time with family and friends, supporting those he loved with his presence at activities and celebrations.
Although farming and family kept him busy, he always made time for fun. Richard enjoyed golfing, bowling, dancing, playing cards, visiting with friends, and watching sports, especially Husker basketball games. Richard remained a member of the DeWitt American Legion, Post #212, and the Beatrice VFW Club throughout his life.
Richard is survived by his wife, Alice Wollenburg; daughters, Peggy (Joe) Birky and Connie (Scott) Heinrich; grandchildren, Trevor Birky, Lydia (Nathan) Kuhn, Sadie Birky, Jaclyn Heinrich, and Brett Heinrich; sister-in-law, MaryAnn Niemeyer; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lydia (Hahn) Wollenburg; brother, Eldon Wollenburg; sisters, Marion Niemeyer, Mildred Wollenburg, Esther (Harlan) Zentner, Elaine (Jim) Bevington; brothers-in-law and sisters-in law, Lorenz Niemeyer, Arlene (Victor) Blobaum, Helen (Ray) Bouc, Vlasta (Jim) Kasser, and Frank Novotny; and parents-in-law, Thomas and Frantiska Novotny.
The body will lie in state Monday, May 11, from 1-8 PM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in DeWitt. The family will greet friends at the same location from 5-7 PM. A family prayer service will be held on Tuesday, May 12, at 10:15 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church, followed by the funeral service at 10:30 AM. Burial will be at the Oak Grove Cemetery in DeWitt with full military honors provided by the DeWitt American Legion and the United States Army. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Trinity Lutheran Church, DeWitt American Legion Post #212, and the DeWitt Volunteer Fire Department with the funeral home in charge.
We encourage those who knew and loved Richard to share their memories and upload photos to his memorial page at www,ghchapel.com.
Arrangements by Venrick-Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in DeWitt.
