Richard J. "Dick" Ritzdorf, 90, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Friday, January 9, 2026, at Brookestone Acres in Columbus.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, January 14, at 11:00 AM, at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Columbus with Fr. Joe Miksch celebrating the Mass.  Visitation will be on Wednesday from 9:30 AM until Mass time on Wednesday.  Interment with military honors by The American Legion Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard, will be in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested as those of the family or donors choice.

Dick was born June 7, 1935, in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, to Adolph and Gertrude (Liekhus) Ritzdorf.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids and graduated from Cedar Rapids High School in 1953.  On March 24, 1956, Dick was united in marriage to Karma Smith at St. Anthony Church.  The couple were blessed with three girls and three boys.

Dick joined the United States Navy on January 2, 1956, serving in the aviation branch at Pensacola, Florida naval air station most of his years of duty.  He was honorably discharged in January, 1960.

Dick was an avid Husker fan since the mid 1950's.  He enjoyed playing all sports beginning at St. Anthony Grade School and continuing through high school.  He set a single game record in basketball of 37 points in 1952.  He kept active in sports by coaching little league baseball for years.  Dick and Karma lived in Schuyler, Nebraska, where Dick worked as a newspaper printer since 1976.  He was active in the Knights of Columbus while living in Schuyler.  He was a member of St. Isidore Church in Columbus.

Dick is survived by:
Wife - Karma Ritzdorf of Columbus, NE
Daughter - Debra (Mike) Shemek of Columbus, NE
Daughter - Gina Tichota of Columbus, NE
Daughter - Carla Ritzdorf of Fremont, NE
Son - Kent (Carrie) Ritzdorf of Columbus, NE
12 Grandchildren
13 Great Grandchilden

Dick was preceded in death by:
Parents - Adolph and Gertrude Ritzdorf
Sons - Tim and Rick Ritzdorf
Six Sisters
Three Brothers