Richard Lee Antholz passed away peacefully in his home on September 11, 2015 after a nine month battle with cancer.
Richard was born September 26, 1945 to Herman Carsten and Zola Marie (Kuhlmann) Antholz in Humboldt, Nebraska.
He attended Hazel Grove country school for grades 1 through 5. He then transferred to the Johnson school district where he graduated in 1963. Richard was a baptized, confirmed and lifelong of Martin Luther Church.
Upon graduation, Richard followed a long family tradition and began farming close to Elk Creek. He also served his country by enlisting in the Army National Guard.
In 1967, Richard married Julie Ryder and from this union three children were born. In 1972, the family moved to the farm of Richard’s great-grandfather, J. Herman Antholz, where Richard farmed and resided until the date of his death.
To supplement his farming income, in 2002 Richard became a guard at the Tecumseh State Correctional Facility. He retired in 2012, having attained the rank of Corporal and earning the respect of many inmates and coworkers alike.
Richard liked nothing better than spending time with his grandchildren, friends, and neighbors, and attending auctions far and wide. He was well known for his willingness to lend a helping hand. He lived his life by a simple code of honesty and integrity, and asked little of others but that those values be returned in kind.
Survivors include his children Machaela and husband John Beltzer of Clatonia, Martin Antholz of Lincoln; grandchildren Kallyn, Alan, and Oliver Antholz; brother Clinton and wife Cecilia Antholz of Elk Creek; sister Phyllis and husband Bruce Davis of Johnson; other relatives and friends.
A funeral service will be Wednesday, September 16, 2:00 p.m. at Martin Luther Church south of Johnson. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home in Johnson Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 7:30.
Memorials are suggested to family choice.