Richard Serpan
January 14, 1938 – April 25 2025
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Steffie (Kavalec) Serpan; stepfather, Leo Geist. He is survived by his sister, Carole Geist (Dean); nieces, Stacey Hultquist (Matt) and Karla Moore (Jeremiah); grandnephew, Justin Hultquist; grandnieces: Brooke Hultquist, Sheridan and Skylar Farris; many cousins and friends; special angels, Mary Pape and Vicky Sedlacek.
A life-long scholar and recipient of many awards for excellence both in academia and in his career, Richard earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Municipal University of Omaha and a Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, the latter upon completion of the Physician Assistant Program.
After serving for many years as an instrument technician in the biochemistry research laboratory at the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute, he moved to a position in the Purchasing department and spent the remainder of his career as a purchasing agent, overseeing acquisition of scientific and medical supplies.
With outstanding knowledge of music and drama, Richard was a longtime supporter of Opera Omaha, which honored his efforts with the presentation of the Cele Washington Award for Individual Achievement.
Possessed of a remarkable sense of humor, Richard loved music and especially polka dancing. Friends found him to be highly sophisticated, knowledgeable of literature and music, a tireless model of good taste and human interactions, and always ready to lend a hand or an ear. He will be missed by friends and the community, but his good works live on.
In lieu of flowers, please give to a charity of your choice in memory of Richard Serpan.
A Memorial Celebration will be held at the West Center Chapel on Thursday, May 1, 2025, beginning with Visitation at 9am, followed by Storytelling at 10:15a.m. and Prayer Service at 11am. Burial at Bohemian Cemetery, 5201 Center Street, will follow lunch at the West Center Chapel.
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Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler
West Center Chapel, 7805 W. Center Rd., Omaha, NE 68124 | 402-391-3900 | www.heafeyheafey.com
5 Comments
My condolences to Dick’s family on their loss. I have decades of happy memories of working backstage with Dick on the Opera Omaha wig and makeup crew. “May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest”.
I am sorry to say goodbye to my long-time friend, Dick Serpan. It was Dick’s phone call to me in 1998 that got me started in doing volunteer work at Opera Omaha with the costume crew. Not knowing anything about stage wardrobe work didn’t stop me, and with Dick’s encouragement I added a wonderful new activity to my life. Thank you Dick, for many years of friendship to me and my wife — I’ll think of you every time I hear both polka music and the classical guitar music that you loved!
Carole, I’m so sorry about Richard. So many happy memories of all of us on 62nd street. May he rest in peace.
Our condolences to the family. I know my father ( Charles) thought fondly of Dick.
Richard was long distance friend after my move to California. I will miss his visits and our adventures discovering culture in and around Los Angeles. His
presence is missed. I have treasured memories of a gentleman with a curious
mind. Peace.
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