In loving memory of

Richard "Rich" D. Stephan
March 2, 1938 - April 30, 2019

Richard "Rich" D. Stephan, 81, of South Sioux City, NE passed away peacefully to go home to his Lord on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at a Sioux City hospital.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Mohr Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will begin at 5:00 P.M., with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, May 3, 2019 at the funeral home.

Richard was born March 2, 1938 at home in Hubbard, NE to Samuel S. and Faye V. (Newman) Stephan. He graduated from South Sioux City High School in 1959, where he held the pole vault record for many years. Rich worked many jobs in his career; grocery clerk, tower communications, Dakota County road maintenance, mechanic for Kidder Knoepfler, at Stephan Welding, and Stephan Recycling.

His greatest love as we all know, was his love for auto racing. He loved to race cars both straight line and circle track. He won many races and held 2 track's championships in 1971. Rich has instilled fairness and equality in racing and always was willing to try new innovations.

In 1965 Rich met the 2nd love of his life and in 1966 he married Barbara Goodier. They were blessed with 2 children, Ricky and Kelley. Later in life they were blessed with 9 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. As Rich and Barb traveled the path of life, they met and made many friends on and off the race track.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; children Ricky (Paula Bossow), and Kelley (Devlin) Bertrand; grandchildren, Courtney (Andy) Eickhoff, Rachel and Payton Stephan, Marina, Denise, Adriana, Monica, Alexander, and Thomas Bertrand; great-grandchildren, Owen and Levi; brothers, Ralph (Cleo) and Ronald (Katy); and brother-in-law, Allen Rohde.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Trevor Stephan; and a sister, Ramona Stephan Rohde.

Tributes

Brad Rowe wrote on May 2, 2019:

"God Bless Rich and family. He helped many in racing. A great man! Brad Rowe"

Linda McCreary wrote on May 1, 2019:

"We have so many good memories of Rich and we were so very sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed by many. Keeping all of you in our prayers! - Linda, Mike, and Wendy McCreary and families"

Kip Hirschbach wrote on May 1, 2019:

"So sorry to hear of Rich's passing. I'll always remember his cars in high school. The one named "Halfast" and his 409 Chevy. A GREAT GUY! Kip Hirschbach"

Keith Miller wrote on May 1, 2019:

"Thoughts and prayers to the Stephan family I have known the family for years and Rich will be greatly missed. It will be very different not seeing him at a race track with Ricky. Rest in piece Rich. Keith Miller-Decatur,Ne."

Nan Stettnichs wrote on May 1, 2019:

"Barb my heart is breaking for you and your family.... Rich was a wonderful human being and will be greatly missed!! All my love and prayers .. Nan Stettnichs"

Wade Sembach wrote on Apr 30, 2019:

"The racing community has lost a great friend and fan. Some nights the best part of the show was talking to Rich afterwards. So many stories, always a laugh and smile. Even when he was mad! The races won't be the same. All my love to the Stephan family. My life has been made richer knowing you. God bless. Wade Sembach."

esther harrington wrote on Apr 30, 2019:

"So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family. "