He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and Kalamazoo College. He started graduate work at Cornell University. Mid-semester he was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War. He returned to Cornell where he completed his MS and PhD and met his wife, Lois. He was a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition at UNL for 36 years and received an outstanding teaching award. Following his retirement from UNL, he consulted for BioNebraska. Dick was active in professional societies: Sigma Xi, and the American Chemical Society; community activities: Kiwanis, Edenton Homeowners Association Board, OLLI, Holmes Lake Restoration Committee; and church activities: Christian Education and Diaconate Boards and a long-time usher. He was a loving, patient husband, father, and grandfather, sharing his love of gardening, fishing, and building with his children and grandchildren.
Dick is survived by his wife Lois; children Jennifer (Chris) Shewchuk, Mark (Heather) Dam; grandchildren Sarah (Tom) English, Kate Shewchuk, Erika Dam, and Tanner Dam; sister-in-law, Marilee Dam; brother-and sister-in-law Robert and Judy Pape, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers John, Cecil, and Harry.
A memorial service will held at First-Plymouth Congregational Church at 2:00 on Friday, September 30.
Memorials may be given to Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, First-Plymouth Congregational Church, or donors choice.