Louis Frederick "Rick" Duval

Rick was born on February 28, 1938 in Hartford, CT to Louis Frederick Duval and Irene Morin. He had two older brothers, Robert “Bob” and Richard Duval. He graduated from Middletown High School in Middletown, CT where he played 3 varsity sports. He continued his education at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts receiving a degree in Electrical Engineering and once again competing in 3 college sports: football, baseball and basketball. His love of sports took him from engineering into a football coaching career, with jobs at Columbia, the University of Colorado and finally at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. The most pivotal point in Rick’s life however was at the University of Colorado in 1969 where God got his attention off the field, and Rick trusted in the Lord as his Savior. It was also at this time he met the love of his life, Colleen. They were married in 1971 and moved to Lincoln, NE in 1973 where they started their family. Rick and Colleen have seven children, Nicole (Keith) De Fini, Zach (Sarah) Duval, Stephanie Duval, Ben (Angie) Duval, Gibbie (McKenzie) Duval, Jon (Micaela) Duval and Melissa (Andrew) Strop. They also have 30 grandchildren, with one in Heaven (Aya Marie). Rick’s departure from coaching came in 1978, and he began once again to utilize his engineering degree and most significantly the Lord’s help in starting a company called US Petrolon Industrial in 1980. As his company grew, so did his reliance upon the Lord for everything (Proverbs 3:5-6). He established business relationships and lifelong friendships with many of his business partners through his effort of personal long hand letter writing and always wanting to do business God’s Way (2 Corinthians 5:9). Everyone who spent any amount of time with Rick knew his integrity and was introduced to the Gospel. In the community, Rick was active in many Bible studies, helping others to grown in Christ through the Navigator’s ministry and Indian Hills Community Church, where he was a member for most of his life. He also coached many of his children’s sports teams, pouring himself into their lives for a purpose greater than just winning temporary honors. His mission in life was to first and foremost: Love God and Love Others. He wanted most deeply to know Christ and to make Him known, as the Navigator’s motto so aptly explains. Rick loved God by being obedient to His Word, and Rick loved others by serving them, praying for them and sharing the Gospel with them. Above all else, sharing the Gospel message of Jesus Christ was his legacy and his actions matched his words.

If you have never personally trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, the Duval Family invites you to speak with one of them about this critical life-saving gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus. Our grieving is not without hope, because as we have learned from our Father “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21) We sincerely thank each and every one of you for your support and role in Rick’s life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 4th, 2024, 2:30 PM at Indian Hills Community Church, 1000 S. 84th St., Lincoln, NE with Pastor Jesse Randolph officiating. A dessert social will be held at the church following the service for all to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to middleeastministries.org or ihcc.org.