Richard "Dick" Joseph Herrera

Richard "Dick" J. Herrera, 70 of Spalding, NE, passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2019 at the Grand Island VA Medical Center in Grand Island, NE.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 11, 2019, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spalding, NE, with Fr. Antony Thekkekara and Fr. Jim Murphy officiating. Burial will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery, with military honors by American Legion Post #299 of Spalding, NE and the American Legion Riders. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, at the church, with a 7 p.m. wake service.

Dolce-Scheef Mortuary of Spalding is in charge of arrangements.

Dick was born in Spalding, NE on January 15, 1949 to Lucille (Berger) and Eloy Herrera. He grew up on a farm east of Spalding, attending District 35, a one room country school, and later graduated from Spalding Academy in 1967. As a boy, Dick spent a year in Schuyler, NE where he grew to love and find comfort in the sound of passing trains. Most of his youth was spent on the family farm surrounded by his grandmother, aunts and uncles. After high school, Dick spent a short time in California. On November 29, 1968, Dick volunteered for the draft and was enlisted in the United States Army. He served in Vietnam where he earned numerous recognitions including: National Defense Service Medal, Combat Information Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Combat Medal '60, Army Commendation Medal, Sharp Shooter for M-14 award, Bronze Star Medal, and two overseas ribbons.

Dick married Jean Carraher on March 6, 1971 in Spalding, NE. The couple made their home in Omaha, where they started their family. Dick and Jean returned to Spalding in 1972 where they have resided since, raising four children: Jon, Cory, Eve and Lisa.

Dick was a jack of many trades. During his life he spent time as a painter, welder, and farmer but for the bulk of his working years he owned and operated his own construction business. He never shied away from difficult work and always did whatever was needed to provide for his family. He was a very meticulous craftsman and took pride in every project, large or small. His gifts made him a natural problem solver, finding joy in even simple tasks like untangling a knotted necklace or shoestring. In his free time, Dick loved to spend time with friends, giving them a hard time over a cold Bud. He also enjoyed going for drives, fixing a special meal, and spending time with family. He had a huge heart and was quick to help anyone in need. Becoming a Papa, brought an even softer side to that big heart. Dick always had a love for children and even in his last days, his grandkids could bring a special spark of happiness to his eyes.

He left behind many loved ones including his wife: Jean of Spalding, NE; children: Jon (Vicki) Herrera of Wahoo, NE; Cory (Jessica) Herrera of Fort Smith, AR; Eve (Phil) Rosno of Hastings, NE; and Lisa (Scott) Bales of David City, NE; 12 grandchildren: Joseph, Hannah and Norah Herrera; Lexi and Luke Patterson and Livia Herrera; Gianna, Elijah, Thomas, and Micah Rosno; Elyssa and Merritt Bales; one great-grandchild: Kayson Mora; brothers: David (Nikie) Herrera and Mike (Judy) Vcelik; brothers-in-law: Dan (Stephanie Jo) Carraher and Tom Carraher; nieces and nephews: Michelle (Roger) Herrera; Brian (Kristin) Herrera; Sara (Jonathan) Taylor; and Tony Vcelik; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents: Lucille Vcelik, Eloy Herrera, and step-father Vernice (Irish) Vcelik; older brother: John Herrera; an infant sister: Anne Vcelik; and numerous aunts and uncles.