Richard L. Saalfeld, 89, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at the Norfolk Veteran Home, Norfolk, Nebraska.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 20 at 10:00 AM, at Christ Lutheran Church, rural Columbus with Rev. Calvin Kapels officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by The American Legion Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard. Visitation will be on Monday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue Tuesday from 9:00 AM until service time at the church. There will be a family prayer service on Tuesday at 9:45 AM at the church. Memorials are suggested to Christ Lutheran Cemetery Landscaping fund.

Richard Louis Saalfeld was born July 1, 1933, in Columbus, Nebraska, to Albert and Elsa (Lueschen) Saalfeld. He was baptized on July 23, 1933, and confirmed his Christian faith through confirmation on May 4, 1947, all at Christ Lutheran Church. He attended Christ Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Kramer High School in Columbus in 1951.

Richard was united in marriage to Hazel Hollman on March 15, 1953, at Christ Lutheran Church, and celebrated their 70th anniversary this spring. He entered the United States Marines on April 29, 1953, and was honorably discharged on April 28, 1955, serving during the Korean War. Richard was stationed at El Toro Marine Base in California for 11 months and served in Korea for 13 months. After his discharge, Richard returned to Columbus and began farming 6 miles north of Columbus, retiring in 2002. Richard was a faithful member of Christ Lutheran Church, serving on the Finance committee, board of education, voter's assembly, men's Bible breakfast, Walther League, Bible class, elder, choir, Christian Growth for Both, PTL, and a member of the Steering Committee for the 125th anniversary. Richard was also on the Platte County ASCS Committee for many years.

Richard is survived by:
Wife – Hazel Saalfeld of Columbus, NE
Son – Kelly Saalfeld of Elkhorn, NE
Daughter – Kris (Thomas) Malkoski of Atlanta, GA
Son – James Saalfeld of Ann Arbor, MI
Grandchildren – Taylor (Sheldon) Bates and Katelin (Brett) Heim of Richmond, VA; Kaelyn (Tanner) Scott of Chicago, IL; John Malkoski of Atlanta, GA; and Mark Malkoski of Columbus, OH
Great Grandchildren – Elliott, Collins, Camden, and Grayson Bates of Richmond, VA; Adrienne and Eleanor Heim of Richmond, VA; and Rory Scott of Chicago, IL
Brother – Arden (Nancy) Saalfeld of Columbus, NE
Sister – Dolores Sander of Columbus, NE
Sister-in-law – Elna Saalfeld of Lincoln, NE
Sister-in-law – Gladys (Ron) Mueller of Seward, NE
Nieces and nephews

Richard was preceded in death by:
Parents – Albert and Elsa Saalfeld
Brother – Theodore Saalfeld
Sister – Lueva Sander Hellbusch
Parents-in-law – Julius and Lucy Hollman
Sister-in-law - Lois Korte
Brothers-in-law – Harlen Sander, Melvin Sander, Reuben Hellbusch, and Harry Korte

Service Folder Information
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Hebrews 13:5 KJV
Richard's Confirmation Verse




In Loving Memory Of

Richard Louis Saalfeld

Born
Saturday, July 1, 1933
Columbus, Nebraska

Entered Into Rest
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Norfolk, Nebraska

Service
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 10:00 AM
Christ Lutheran Church
Rural Columbus, Nebraska

Officiating
Rev. Calvin Kapels

Music
Karla Dixon – Organist
Luther Bakenhus – Soloist
"How Great Thou Art"
Congregational Hymns
"Oh That The Lord Would Guide My Ways"
"Jesus Savior, Pilot Me"
"I'm But A Stranger Here"
"Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus"

Casket Bearers
Anson Korte
Bruce Korte
Scott Saalfeld
Kevin Saalfeld
Layne Sander
Drue Sander
Daryl Sander

Honorary Casket Bearers
Lee Sander
Todd Sander
Larry Saalfeld
Dan Saalfeld
John Saalfeld
Ryan Sander
Kip Sander
Cory Mueller

Interment
Christ Lutheran Cemetery
Rural Columbus, NE

Military Honors
The American Legion Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard