Richard B. Jehlik
February 3, 1947 – February 3, 2025
Richard Bernhardt Jehlik, 78, of Omaha, Nebraska passed away on February 3, 2025. Rich was born on February 3, 1947, to Paul J. and Catharine Steinmetz Jehlik in Ames, Iowa. He earned degrees at Iowa State University in1969 and University of Missouri Columbia in 1974. A gifted natural teacher, Rich worked with a Cree band school and a rural K-12 school in Saskatchewan for 6 years and with first-generation and disadvantaged college students at Creighton University for 37 years. He shared his love of science across all disciplines with these many beloved students.
Rich spent decades on the Omaha antiques, auction, and flea market circuit. Primarily known as the “radio man”, he loved pursuing and acquiring any item that had a scientific bent, was unique, or just odd. Negotiating a great deal was his greatest joy.
Rich, the mathematician, would enjoy the symmetry of being born and passing from life on the same calendar date.
Rich is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Catharine Jehlik, his brothers David and Donald Jehlik, and his sister-in-law Suzanne.
He is survived by his wife, Theresa; daughter, Laura of Omaha; brothers-in-law, Richard (Pat) Rohrer of Kerrville, Texas and Karl (Christine) Rohrer of Vienna, Virginia; sisters-in-law: Jennifer (Joseph) Rodriguez of Marietta, Georgia; Catherine (Frank) Hahn of Muscatine, Iowa; Jeanne (Lyle) Carlson of O’Fallon, Missouri; and Ann Jehlik of Sacramento, California; many; nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on February 17, 2025, at Heafey, Hoffman, Dworak and Cutler Funeral Home at 7805 W Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124.
If you wish to honor Rich’s memory, please make a donation to Peaceful Hearts Hospice https://peacefulheartsomaha.org/ or Dial 4 Seniors Foundation https://dialseniorliving.com/dial-4-seniors/donate-dial-4-seniors/.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
7 Comments
George and I send our deepest sympathy, Theresa ❤️. Rich was such a happy, friendly guy. Please know both you and Laura are in our hearts during this sad time.
I worked with Rich at Creighton; we were on the Sustainability Council together. I always appreciated his good ideas, his care for his students, and his care for creation. He will be missed!
Dearest Theresa, what a lovely service. I only wish I had known Rich better and spent more time with him. His eulogies were profound and told of a man of many talents and a joyful spirit. I send my love and gratitude for having shared this with you, Love, Aunt Barbara
A very beautiful and moving service allowing us to see a man of great intelligence , profound joy and a delightful sense of humor. The depth of his love for you and Laura will buoy you in the days to come. Love, Aunt Barbara
Dear Theresa, thank you for sharing this. This is the fourth try to send a note, maybe this will make it. Rich was a man of great depth, wish I had really known him.
Dear Theresa & Laura, I never got to meet Rich in person but had visited several times over the phone and email. His grandfather Joe and my grandmother Mary were brother and sister. Our hearts and thoughts are with you at this sad time.
I am so sorry about Rich. He.was wonderful to work with and great with the kids in SSS.
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