Richard (Rick) D. Haskell, 85, was born July 27, 1939, in Hebron Nebraska to Harry & Lula Haskell. He passed away January 8, 2024, in Pratt Kansas. Richard was the 4th of 9 children.

Richard married Berniece Baldwin on June 21, 1958, and to this union they were blessed with three sons: Scott, Rex & Jay

Rick worked for the Railroad for many years.  As a hobby, he raised cattle and calves on his farm southwest of Fairbury.  He would alternate crops with wheat and milo.  Some years he would double crop and raise both.   Many hours were spent on the farm with his family fixing fence, working cattle, putting up hay, or tilling the field.  His boys learned how to work hard and enjoy what they worked to achieve.  The farm was also a great place to small game hunt, mushroom hunt, and on occasion the family would tent camp at the farm roasting marshmallows with an open fire.  Weekend Drives were educational opportunities with Rick demonstrating what you wasn’t supposed to do while driving.  STOP signs were an acronym for “Spin Tires On Pavement”.   One of his common remarks was “It’ll feel better when it quits hurting”.  Rick enjoyed going with Berniece to horse races and they have been known to visit a Casino or Two.  He enjoyed gardening raising tomatoes, cucumbers, and a variety of peppers.  Berniece was kept busy canning the tomatoes and cucumbers.  They shared their famous jalapeno pickles with family and friends for many years.  Rick enjoyed spending time with his family and Grand Children after his retirement from the Railroad.  

In 2001 he retired from the railroad after 44 years as an engineer on the Union Pacific Railroad.  

He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Lula, and In-Laws Edgar & Helen Baldwin, siblings James, Virginia, Larry, Elizabeth, Gerald, and Dean.

He is survived by his wife, Berniece and sons Scott (Jeanie), Rex (Deborah), Jay (Angela), Grand Children Dexter (Morgan), Derek (Adrienne), Brianne (Quinn), Bridget (Mike), Tabitha (Jerimiah), John (Laura) Stephen, Nic (Shelby) & Brittany (Travis), 10 Great Grand Children and 2 Brothers Randy & Mike.

Services will be Friday, January 12, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at  Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury, NE.  Visitation will take place 1 hour before the service. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.