Born on July 14, 1956, Rick was the sixth child of Raymond and Arlene (Liekhus) Smeal. His passion for trucking and fixing things began at an early age as he spent his childhood shadowing his dad in the family trucking business. As soon as he was able, Rick joined his dad hauling cattle and grain all over the Midwest, only to be interrupted by school. Rick completed his traditional schooling in 1975 as a graduate of Snyder High in Snyder, Nebraska. Upon graduation, he pursued his technical education on the road and in the shop, inventing ways to ''work smarter, not harder'' and living up to his nickname ''Red Flash.'' Rick purchased the business from his parents in January of 1989 and continued to build and foster the valued relationships of his loyal customer base, many of whom would become lifelong friends.
In 1982, Rick surrendered the jump seat of his truck to Antoinette ''Toni'' Kelly. After a year long courtship, the two were married on April 23, 1983, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Scribner, and settled down in Snyder to begin their life together. Rick then became the ultimate girl-dad when he and Toni welcomed their four cherished daughters into their family-Margaret ''Maggie,'' Mallory, Morgan, and McKenzie ''Mick.'' Rick always made sure everyone knew how proud he was of his daughters and would often say ''I wouldn't trade them for the world!'' His greatest joy in life was supporting his girls in all their endeavors. In 2012, Rick was promoted to his favorite role of ''Papa'' to Aubrey, Kellyn, Taya, Alexis ''Lexi,'' Moxton, Jagger, Makai, Jovi, and angel baby Halen.
Rick parked his truck permanently in 2020 following the devastating diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia. In 2021, Rick and Toni moved to Fremont, Nebraska where he spent the remainder of his days in their home.
Though dementia clouded his mind, it never diminished the love he had for those closest to him.
Rick is survived by his wife of 41 years, Toni, and their four daughters and their families; Maggie Gehring and Taya Granger of Wichita, KS, Mallory (Michael) Smith, Aubrey and Lexi of Pierre, SD, Morgan (Seth) Mruz, Kellyn, Moxton, and Makai of Fremont, NE, and McKenzie (Michael) Smeal, Jagger and Jovi Chatterson of Fremont, NE, siblings Larry (Lois) Smeal, Diane Wiese, Dorothy (Norman) Weber, Beverly (Randall) Greer, Nadine (John) Ries, and Randy (Janice) Smeal, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Earl and Esther Kelly, granddaughter Halen Chatterson, brothers-in-law Ron Wiese and Thomas Kelly, sisters-in-law Rose Mary Klamt and Barb Wegner, and nephews Nicholas Ries and Tim Wegner.
Visitation Monday, January 27, 2025 from 4-7pm at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Fremont with the family present from 5pm to 7pm. A Wake service at 7pm at the church. Funeral Mass is 10am, Tuesday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with burial at a later date in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to the family.
Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont is in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(13)
Wally and Deb Wollberg
Snyder, NE Wednesday, January 29, 2025 Toni and family,Our sympathy and hugs go to each of you for the loss of your dearest loved one. He was a very great guy who always had that happy smile for everyone whom he would meet..
Heights High School
Wichita, KS Monday, January 27, 2025 So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. May you find find comfort in cherished memories during this difficult time.Jason Klamt
Fort Worth, TX Monday, January 27, 2025 Sorry for your loss Toni Rick was very special to everyone including the whole family.Mark and Kim Byrd
Sun city, AZ Sunday, January 26, 2025 Toni,We are so sorry for your loss. Rick was really lucky to have your love, care, and dedication. I really enjoyed meeting him. Best regards to you, your girls and the whole family. We know he will be missed.
Kathy Cassidy
Hooper, NE Saturday, January 25, 2025 I’m so sorry to hear of Ricks passing away. He’s at peace now and no longer in a body that had him trapped. May God give you strength as you face the days ahead.Stephen Casselman
Omaha, NE Saturday, January 25, 2025 May the Lord heal, bless and keep you and your family.David Probst
Columbus, NE Friday, January 24, 2025 Rick was a great guy always smiling and always busy. I know you will keep on trucking and may you rest in peace.Patrick Olson
Lincoln, NE Friday, January 24, 2025 Toni,I am sorry for your loss. It is amazing that you were able to care for him as long as you did. Having lost my mother to Alzheimer’s, I understand the grief but also the relief that he is at peace. Be good to yourself and I will be thinking of you and your family.
Angie hashberger
West point, NE Wednesday, January 22, 2025 So sorry for your lossAmanda kimmell & family
Wichita, KS Wednesday, January 22, 2025 So sorry for everyone's great loss. Keeping the family in my thoughts and prayersLinda Neesen Hofmann
Tabor, SD Wednesday, January 22, 2025 So sorry for your loss. I remember Rick from growing up in Snyder. Our girls would play with the Smeal girls when at grandpa and grandma's house. May Rick have eternal peace.mark hunke
norfolk, NE Wednesday, January 22, 2025 sorry to hear rick past away. years ago i filled his truck up with diesel fuel many times at the coop station in snyder.he was a good man.condolence to the toni & familyLarry Belsky
Akeley, MN Tuesday, January 21, 2025 Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with Him. Great picture that was Rick a smile on his face and a bonus dimples. I will miss him. All the best Larry B.