Richard Walter Blessen, 69, of Duncan Lakes, Columbus, Nebraska, died Friday, November 16, 2007, at his home.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 21, at 10:00 AM at the Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus, with Rev.'s Michael Klatt and Ernest Smith officiating. Interment will be in the Roselawn Memorial Cemetery with military honors by The American Legion Honor Guard, Hartman Post 84. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue on Wednesday from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM at the church. There will be a family prayer service on Wednesday at 9:45 AM at the church. Memorials are suggested to Peace Lutheran Church or the donor's choice.

Richard W. Blessen was born July 6, 1938 in Columbus, Nebraska, to Walter and Louise (Buss) Blessen. He graduated from Kramer High School in 1956. On May 28, 1956, Richard enlisted in the US Navy. He was honorably discharged on July 3, 1959. Richard returned to Columbus and went to work for Roth Construction. He married Donna Klug on August 18, 1962, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus. He later worked for Roberts Dairy and then Metz Baking Company. In the late 1970's, Richard and Donna joined Peace Lutheran Church where he served on the Board of Trustee for several years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Richard is survived by:
Wife - Donna Blessen of Columbus, NE
Daughter - Tracy (John) Krikorian of Sonoma, CA
Son - Richard (Jenni Robison) Blessen of Crete, NE
Grandchildren - Ella & Sonia Krikorian, and Jack & Gus Blessen
Brother - David (Arlene) Blessen of Columbus, NE
Brother - Mark (Peggy) Blessen of Columbus, NE
Sister - Margaret (Norbert) Smith of Kearney, NE
Sister - Charlotte (Earl) Smith of Midwest City, OK
Several nieces and nephews


Richard was preceded in death by:
Parents - Walter and Louise Blessen
Sister - Elizabeth Meyer
SERVICE FOLDER

God hath not promised
Skies always blue.
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives through:
God hath not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.

But God hath promised
Strength for the day;
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way;
Grace for the trials,
Help from above;
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love…


In Memory Of

Richard W. Blessen

Born
Wednesday, July 6, 1938
Columbus, Nebraska
Entered Into Rest
Friday, November 16, 2007
Columbus, Nebraska

Service
Wednesday, November 21, 2007 10:00 AM
Peace Lutheran Church
Columbus, Nebraska

Officiating
Rev. Michael Klatt
Rev. Ernest Smith

Music
Joyce Korte - Organist
Luther Bakenhus - Soloist
"Beautiful Savior"
"The Lord's Prayer"
Congregational Hymns
"Now The Light Has Gone Away"
"What A Friend We Have In Jesus"

Casket Bearers
Greg Blessen Brad Blessen
Cory Baker Derek Blessen
Jared Blessen Nathan Blessen

Honorary Casket Bearers
Jim Scott Ardean Stone
Greg McGillivray Jason Smith

Interment
Roselawn Memorial Cemetery
Columbus, Nebraska

Military Honors
The American Legion Honor Guard, Hartman Post