Richard "Rick" D Grasmick

Richard Dean Grasmick passed away at UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies on December 31, 2022. Richard “Rick” was born June 26, 1952 to Janet E. Mitchell and Robert Schwartzkopf in Torrington, Wyoming.

Rick started school in Torrington through the 5th grade. At about age 10, Rick began showing his athletic ability. Also around this time, the family moved to Morrill, NE. Janet had been divorced and remarried to Robert “Beaver Bob” Grasmick. Rick kept up his athletics: playing baseball and swimming in the summer; football, basketball in the fall and winter, as well as track in the spring. In track, Rick and his teammates set the state record in the mile relay and, according to Rick, this record has yet to be broken. Rick wanted to compete in the high jump; however, Rick’s technique was a little unorthodox so Rick’s track coach talked him out of it. A year later, Dick Fosbury was seen clearing the bar the exact same way that Rick did. They called it the “Fosbury Flop” which Dick used to win first place in the Olympics. In basketball, Rick played the center position, competing against the tallest guys in the valley. Even though Rick was shorter that the guys he would play against, he would out rebound, block shots and steal the ball. Rick was a force to reckon with. Later, Rick would learn from a former rival player that the other team’s coaches would tell their players, “IF you want to win get Grasmick to foul out of the game.” On the football field is where Rick shined the brightest. Throughout his high school career, he would earn Panhandle C all Conference and the North Platte Valley award. Rick earned a scholarship to play football for McCook Jr College in McCook, NE. Rick was not only a hard worker when it came to sports; he started his first job for Bud Creasy at the Corner Market on main street in Morrill, at a young age. Later, Rick went to work for Dick Halstead’s ranch west of Morrill until he finished high school. After returning from McCook, Rick went back to work for Dick Halstead.

He married Candi Jackson on June 29, 1973 at Gering, NE. Two sons were born to this union, Christopher and Curtis.

He started working at Western Sugar Factory in Mitchell 1974. He eventually transferred to the Scottsbluff factory where he applied for a job opportunity to work overseas. Out of all the applicants throughout the world, Rick was one of those who were chosen to move to Saudi Arabia, Rick would join a bowling team with other workers. He also found a new hobby: scuba diving. Rick spent several years overseas traveling, and making new friends from across the world. After working in Saudi Arabia, Rick returned to Scottsbluff and his job at Western Sugar where he worked until his retirement in 2020. Even though he had retired, if the factory needed Rick to fill in for somebody, he would gladly do it. Retirement was not for him, he would say.

Rick was an avid Husker fan, whether they were winning or losing. In his honor, if you have Husker attire feel free to wear it.

Survivors include his sons Christopher (Kris Campbell) of Cheyenne and Curtis Grasmick of Scottsbluff and 8 grandchildren: Alexander, Jordyn, Christian, Ashley, Faith, Blake, Gracelyn and Lydia.

He is also survived by his amazing 97- years young (Auntie) Naomi Carpenter of Golden, CO; brother Rod Grasmick of Scottsbluff, and sister Robin Ysac (Henry) of Scottsbluff and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents and step father Rev Bill Crowley.

Services will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel with cremation following the service. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7 pm at the chapel.

Memorial donations may be made to the Panhandle Humane Society, 126 S Beltline Hwy W, Scottsbluff, NE 69361. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com.