Richard M. Alden

Richard Myles “Dick” Alden was born on October 2, 1933 to Joseph Maurice and Ruth Coddington Alden of York, Nebraska. A brother John was also born to this marriage. Dick attended school in York until second grade when he and his family moved to Auburn, Nebraska for his father’s position with Auburn Newspapers. He then attended Auburn Public Schools and graduated in 1951. During high school he attained the honor of Eagle Scout as well as being a standout player on the high school football team. He enjoyed spending his summers helping his great-uncle in the orchards in Brownville and working for the Corps of Engineers on the Missouri River. He attended the University of Nebraska for one year then transferred to Doane College in Crete, Nebraska to play football. He finished his education at UN-L and received a B.S. from the College of Agriculture in 1956.

Dick and Juanalee Oestmann were married on June 17, 1956. He began his farming career but was called to the U.S. Army in November 1956. He served in Fort Chaffee, AR and Schofield, Honolulu, Hawaii and was discharged in 1958 and returned to Auburn to raise crops and hogs, cattle and sheep during his many years of farming.

Upon his return to Auburn, he became active in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, local, regional, state and University of Nebraska activities. In 1966, he was named Nebraska’s Outstanding Young Farmer. Dick was also a Director of the Nemaha County Farm Bureau Board, Producer’s Board, College of Agriculture Advisory Board, District 29 School Board, Nemaha County Fair Board and Auburn City Council for many years. Most recently he served on the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery Board. He and Juanalee also owned Alden Western Sales for 14 years. Spending time on his boat and entertaining family and friends at Lake of the Ozarks was greatly enjoyed.

Juanalee passed away February 18, 2012 and shortly thereafter he met Willa Jean Stutheit. Dick and Willa Jean enjoyed travelling extensively and getting to know each other’s family and friends. They exchanged marriage vows February 9, 2014 at St. James Lutheran Church, Humboldt, Nebraska.

Dick passed away suddenly at home on January 1, 2015 and is preceded in death by his parents and his brother John. He is survived by his beloved Willa Jean, daughter Kimberley and husband Robert Stafford of Omaha, son Rich and wife Ann of Auburn, grandchildren Cady and husband George Jackson of Lincoln, Reid Alden of Auburn, great-grandchildren George, Carver and Sagan Jackson and Raelynn Alden. Sister-in-law Rita and husband Robert Seiler of Omaha, nephews and their families. Willa Jean’s children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many, many dear friends.