FAIRBURY - Long time owner of 3 local radio stations, Rick Siebert of Fairbury, passed away Saturday, May 28th.  Rick had been battling both cancer and COPD. 

Siebert bought KGMT-AM  back in 1983, that summer he also began construction on KUTT-FM.  He was able later to upgrade KUTT from a class C 300-watt station to class A 100 thousand watt which doubled it's listening area and making the station reach as big as you can go.  Years later he would open an office and studio in Beatrice and went on to purchase KWBE-AM to add to the Siebert Communications lineup.   

Rick put a unique stamp on radio in the area with his golf tournaments and car giveaways that would pack the Diller Opera House to things that Ol' Red 99-5 still continues to use like Radio Auction and the Annual Free Thanksgiving Day Meal.  

Siebert who was 72 years old, loved to golf, fish, and enjoy new restaurants and food.  Rick passed away quietly with family and friends present. 

Services are planned for Monday June 6th at the Four-Square Church at 719 6th street in Fairbury.  The family will also have a time for visitation, Sunday June 5th from 2 to 4 at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral home at 2414 H street.