Richard Dale Goodding

Rich was born on April 1, 1945, in Hastings, Nebraska, to Richard (Dick) and Mildred (Bauder) Goodding.

The first of four boys, Rickie and his mom lived his first year with his grandparents, Clarence and Ellen Bauder, before his dad returned home after the end of World War II. Rickie enjoyed growing up on the family farm near Ithaca, and from a very early age he appreciated all the hard work to be found outdoors in all seasons of God’s creation, farming with his dad.

Rich graduated from Mead High School and moved to Lincoln to attend the University of Nebraska. He appreciated the time he spent with his grandparents, Dr. T.H. and Laura “Birdie” Goodding.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in agricultural mechanization, he briefly worked in irrigation equipment sales. After enjoying his own high school experience being active with FFA, he taught high school vocational agriculture in Minnesota, where Rich met the love of his life, Amy.

They returned to Nebraska to raise their family and he obtained his master’s degree in adult education.

Rich was a great teacher, and taught many students of all ages through the extension office. While spending the next forty years farming full-time and sharing his love of the land with his children, he also worked for the University of Nebraska at the Beef Research Feedlot and Agriculture Research Farm in Mead providing over 41 years of dedicated service in research to the University of Nebraska.

Rich was not just a great teacher, life-long learner, and hard worker; he was incredibly resourceful and creative.

Rich worked hard from dawn until dusk, yet always had time to spend with his wife Amy, daughter Andrea, and son Jeremy.

Rich’s greatest joy was when he became a grandfather to Amena, Elliot, Lucas, Lars, Jonas, and Helena. He was always excited about their interests, activities and accomplishments. Rich loved to laugh with them and give them hugs.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife, Amelia “Amy” (Hurst); daughter Andrea and her husband, Benjamin Kessler of Lincoln; son Thomas Jeremy and his wife Iris (Davenport) of Lincoln; and his grandchildren: Amena (Goodding) and her husband Brent Hepokoski of Minneapolis; Elliot Goodding and his wife Hailey (Dudenhofer) of Phoenix, Lucas Goodding, Lars, Jonas and Helena Kessler, all of Lincoln.

He is also survived by his brothers, James, Gary, and John Goodding and their families; sister-in-law Betty (Hurst) Dodge, brother-in-law Fred Hurst, and their families; many nieces and nephews; and favorite cousin, Judith (Goodding) Kuusisto.

His funeral service will be held September 10, 2022, at 2:00 pm at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68512. Private family burial will occur prior to the service. Memorials can be made to People's City Mission, Lincoln, Nebraska, or Samaritan's Purse. lincolnfh.com Livestreaming .

If unable to attend please click the "Join Livestream" link on his website to see the service.