Richard Lee Shotwell, 82, passed away August 2, 2021. He was born in Lincoln to William S. and Bernice (Hayes) Shotwell on September 6, 1938. While in his junior year of high school, he awoke one morning not able to walk. After visiting several doctors in Lincoln and Omaha, the problem was diagnosed as nerve damage and not polio. At that time, there was an operation available; but, the recovery was only 2%. Dick said, ‘I walked in here, and I’ll walk out.’ After treatments, rehab, and homebound lessons, he graduated with his Northeast Class of 1957, by walking across the stage of Pinewood Bowl in a body cast and using crutches. In his third year of study of architecture at Nebraska Wesleyan University, doctors told him he would lose his hard-earned mobility by entering a sedentary career. Having always liked attending the Nebraska State Fair, he left Wesleyan and applied for work at NSF.
Dick started at NSF as a laborer and worked his way up to more responsible positions. After a number of years, he became a horse-race track trouble-shooter for the other Nebraska racecourses. In 1986, he was promoted to Superintendent of Grounds and Buildings, a post he held until he retired. Since he was on-call 24 hours a day, he opted to move, with his wife, into the house provided in the middle of the NSF campground.
During his bachelor days, Dick liked to shoot skeet, hunt wild fowl and small game, make furniture, and take road trips to visit friends.
March 10, 1972, was a day changing the rest of his life. One-time matchmakers (mutual friends) introduced him to Marcella Pralle. After two years of dating, they were married June 8, 1974, becoming companions for life. Dick never forgot either date.
After 40 years with the Fair, Dick retired from his position. For a few summers, he worked there as a temp. He, with Marcella, developed additional interests: gardening (trying new and different plants), eating out more, movies, train and bus tours, Broadway road shows, musicals, and Christmas shows. And, much to Marcella’s relief, expanding his cooking/baking skills, visiting with extended family and friends.
Dick is survived by his wife, Marcella; sister-in-Iaw Jody Pralle; nieces Courtney Taylor and Maria Pralle; nephew Mike Pralle; three great-nephews, friends and neighbors.
Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be donated to the Comfort Dog Ministry or to the Youth Group, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 724 So. 12 St., Lincoln, NE 68508.
Memorial Service: 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 30, 2021 at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street. Commitment will immediately follow the service at Tothill Cemetery in Davey, NE.