Richard Allen Will

Richard Allen Will

July 10, 1943 – January 10, 2024

Richard Allen Will originally from Schuyler, Nebraska, died peacefully on January 10, 2024, at age 80 with his family by his side.  Born July 10, 1943, in Columbus, Nebraska to Alfred and Margueritte (Welch) Will.  He is survived by his beloved wife, Mina Marie (Pickhinke) Will and his older sister, Beverly Coufal.

Richard grew up in Schuyler, Nebraska and graduated from Schuyler Central High School in 1961.  He enlisted in the Navy after graduation and proudly served our country for three years and was honorably discharged in 1964.  He was assigned to the USS Pollux AKS-4 homeported in Yokosuka, Japan.

He married the love of his life, the former, Mina Marie Pickhinke on June 5, 1965.  Richard and Mina had 58 wonderful years of life together full of kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, love, and blessings.  They loved to travel the country together on vacation and to visit family and friends. He worked for his father at Alfred Will & Son Sand and Gravel, later becoming the owner of Will Sand & Gravel for 35 years.  He was a dedicated worker, often working 10–12-hour days to provide and ensure the needs of his family.  He was also active in the community by becoming an assistant Fire Chief in the Schuyler Volunteer Fire Department.  Richard moved to Omaha in 1996 and began working for Boys Town, later working for Methodist Hospital where he retired in 2007.

Richard loved cars, cowboy westerns and sitting on his patio drinking coffee with his cat, Jack.  He was a diehard Green Bay Packer and Nebraska Huskers football fan.  Richard was a devoted family man, who enjoyed spending time with his three children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Richard had three children:  Dean (Jacki) Will of Virginia Beach, VA, Darren (April) Will of Omaha, NE, and Suzanne (Bryan) Jorgensen of Omaha, NE.  He had 6 grandchildren:  Michael (Taylor) Will of Norfolk, VA, Allyson Will of New York, NY, Bromleigh Will of Omaha, NE, Matthew, Zachary and Owen Jorgensen of Omaha, NE.  And three great-grandchildren: Carter and Camdyn Will of Norfolk, VA and Beckett Dean of Omaha, NE.

Richard was very proud of his Navy Service to our country, and it can be best summed up by the immortal words from our 35^th President – John F. Kennedy: “I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: ‘I served in the United States Navy.  When asked what I am most proud of, I stick out my chest, hold my head high and state proudly, ‘I served in the United States Navy!’”

A final goodbye from his granddaughter Bromleigh:  Heaven gained the most stubborn but loving angel.  Grandpa would give you the shirt off his back if you asked him to.  He is so loved and missed already, but I know his cat Jack was up there waiting for him with a cup of coffee so they could sit on the patio and share like they did every morning down here.  The world definitely won’t be the same and there will always be the feeling that something is missing.  But I know you will be waiting for us when its time.  I love you so much grandpa.  Please watch over Beckett and all of us to keep us safe and tell us when we are about to do something dumb like I know you will.  Don’t give God too much grief while you wait for us, we will see you soon.  I love you!

Services:  Richard was cremated and will be interred at the Omaha National Veterans Cemetery this Spring with full military honors. He will also be receiving a burial at sea with full military honors coordinated by his grandson Lieutenant Michael Will.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Schuyler Veterans memorial:

Website:  www.colfaxcovetmem.com

Address:  American Legion Post 47

PO Box 47

Schuyler, NE  68661