Funeral services for Richard Batenhorst age 87 of Beemer, NE will be on Monday, July 18th at 10:30 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Beemer with Fr. Joe Wray as celebrant. Burial with military honors will be in the Holy Cross Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the Beemer American Legion Hall. Visitation will be in Sunday from 3:00pm to 7:30 pm at the church. There will be a Vigil Service at 7:30 p.m., with a Knights of Columbus Rosary to follow at the church. The Minnick Funeral Home in West Point is handling the arrangements for the family.

Richard passed away on Friday, July 8, 2016 at the Colonial Haven Nursing Home in Beemer, NE.

Richard Bernard Batenhorst was born on September 22, 1928 at West Point, NE to Joseph F. and Anna (Dirkschneider) Batenhorst. He attended Cuming Co. Rural Schoo District #6 and graduated from Beemer High School in 1945. Richard worked on the family farm prior to serving in the United States Army. He served in the 4th Infantry from 1951-1953 during the Korean Conflict at Eielson Air Base in Fairbanks, AK. Upon being honorably discharged, he returned to the farm.

On September 17, 1953, he was united in marriage to Nyla Picha at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point, NE. The couple farmed north of Beemer and Richard enjoyed tending to his cows.

Richard was a lifelong member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, serving on the Parish Council, singing in the church choir and had belonged to its Holy Name Society. He was a 3rd Degree member of Knights of Columbus Council #2272 and was a member of the Beemer American Legion Post #159. He enjoyed playing cards, fishing and reading.

Survivors include-
Sons- Gary and wife Jean Batenhorst of West Point, NE
Alan Batenhorst of Beemer, NE
Grandchildren- John, Kara, and Kristine Batenhorst

Brother- Winfred Batenhorst of Beemer, NE
Sister-Ethel Ruskamp of West Point, NE
Marcella Praest of Dodge, NE
Several nieces and nephews also survive him.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, wife-Nyla on April 6, 2013, daughter-Diana on March 19, 2008, sister-Verna Reiman, and brothers- Valen Batenhorst and Joe Batenhorst.

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