Dick attended Colorado State University where he played in the marching band and was a Beta Sigma Psi Music honorary fraternity member.
Dick graduated from Kansas State University in 1952 with a B.S. in Physics. He was the ROTC program’s commanding officer, a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, Beta Gamma Sigma international business honor society, and Alpha Mu Flour and Milling honorary fraternity. He was also the president of the Disciples Student Fellowship.
In 1961, Dick received his M.B.A. degree from Denver University in Business Management.
Dick began a distinguished military career in 1952. He served as a jet fighter and reconnaissance pilot with the Air Force in the Philippine Islands, Vietnam, Korea, and the United States.
During a break from military service, Dick and Elaine moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1961, where Dick worked for Sandia National Laboratories. He returned to flying in 1967 with the New Mexico Air National Guard. Dick joined the Nebraska Air National Guard in 1976 as the commander, and through his leadership, the organization earned numerous awards. He served as chief of staff and then as assistant adjutant general for air until retiring as a brigadier general in January 1990.
Dick loved flying and soloed at the age of 16 as early as the law allowed. He flew a Piper Cub, Luscombe, Navion, T-6, F-86, C-45, F-100, RF-4, A-7D, C-13, Mooney, Baron, and Christen Eagle. At age 84, he competed in aerobatic flying in his Christen Eagle.
In addition to his military career, Dick and Elaine farmed in Kansas, receiving the outstanding farming award. He and his brother owned and managed Western Office Supply in Colby, Kansas.
Dick faithfully honored his Lord. He served as a consultant to the president of Manhattan Christian College in Kansas, and he was a church member, an elder, a treasurer, and a building committee chairman. He sang in the choir; performing in the Living Christmas Tree at Capitol City Christian Church was a highlight.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Elaine of Lincoln; daughters Diane (Kirk) Livingston, North Platte, NE, and Linda Bond, Lincoln, NE; grandchildren Jaci Bertrand (Matt Parrack), Jill (Mark) Harman, Kent (Sharon) Livingston, Carissa Bond, and Brian Bond; great grandchildren Judah, Esmond, Quinn, and Greta Livingston, Mike, Peyton, and Tate Harman; sister-in-law Dolores Bertrand, Parker, CO, brother-in-law Keith Owen, Niwot, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Dale Bertrand, son-in-law Ed Bond, brothers Robert and Gene Bertrand, and sisters Louise Voth and Janice Owen.
The funeral service will be at 10:30 am on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Capitol City Christian Church, 7800 Holdrege St. The burial will be at 2:30 pm in Omaha National Cemetery.
Visitation from 5-7 pm Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ St.
Memorials to Manhattan Christian College or Capitol City Christian Church.