Richard A. “Rick” Kempkes, 68, of Douglas passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Bryan West Medical Center in Lincoln. He was born on October 26, 1956, to Alfred and Rosella Kempkes. He graduated from Sterling High School in 1975. Richard married Ardis Huenink on June 20, 1987, in Bennet. He worked at Goodyear Rubber and Tire Company in Lincoln for 42 years and was a member of the Panama Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed farming, fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family having a cold red beer.

Survivors include his wife, Ardis Kempkes of Douglas; sons, Scott Kempkes of Douglas and Patrick (Hope) Kempkes of Waverly; grandson, Hudson Kempkes and granddaughter Kempkes due in May; siblings, Bob (Jan) Kempkes of Sandown, NH, Don Kempkes of Lincoln, Patty Harms of Adams, Rosie (Darrel) VerMaas of Hickman, Dave (Ann) Kempkes of Imperial, Marilyn Bailey of Dwight, and Christy (Gary) Adams of Berthoud, CO; mother-in -law, Evelyn Huenink of Firth; brothers-in-law, Arvin (Cindy) Huenink of Firth, Gale Huenink of Panama, Gary Huenink and Terry (Rhonda) Huenink of Lincoln, and Todd (Marcia) Huenink of Holland; sister-in-law, Lynnette (Mark) Tate of Vail, AZ; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, Alfred and Rosella (Kuipers) Kempkes; father-in-law, Harold Huenink; sisters-in-law, Deb Kempkes and Deb Huenink; brothers-in-law, Guy Mulder, Ted Bailey, and James Harms.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Panama Presbyterian Church of Panama with Rev. Darin Bentzinger officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the church’s Facebook page. Private inurnment will be at the Panama Cemetery.  Cremation has taken place and there will be no viewing or visitation.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the family’s choice.   www.foxfuneralhome.net   Arrangements entrusted to Zink-Fox Funeral Home of Sterling.