Deacon Richard J. Drueke

Richard (Dick) John Drueke was born on March 4, 1943, in West Point, Nebraska, to Frank and Agnes (Johnson) Drueke. He grew up on the family dairy farm and attended Guardian Angels school, graduating in 1961. He attended the University of Nebraska and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Science in 1966 where he met the love of his life JoAnn Gehrken. They were married on August 12, 1967, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Gretna, Nebraska.

Dick and JoAnn returned to the family farm outside West Point and joined his brother Henry with their registered Brown Swiss herd for several years. After a brief stint working for the Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders Association, Dick and JoAnn purchased their own farm and raised their own herd for nearly 10 years. While in West Point, he was active in the community with Young Farmers, as a 4-H Club leader, and with the Knights of Columbus. After selling the farm, he worked as a field representative for Mid-America Dairymen and the Dairy Farmers of America working with the dairy farmers in northeast, and then southeast Nebraska. Dick was ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Omaha in 1987, serving at St. Mary’s in West Point for several years until the family moved to Lincoln. 

After moving to Lincoln, Dick continued to work for DFA for several years, while also serving the community through service at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ. It was during this time that he began to visit residents of Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital helping people both recovering from severe injuries or living in elder care, which brought him great fulfillment. Upon retirement from DFA, he began what he saw as his true calling, serving as chaplain at Madonna in Lincoln for many years while living in Firth, Nebraska. Dick eventually ended his years of service at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Omaha. Dick was especially joyous when his vocation allowed him to participate or lead in several sacraments celebrated by his children, including their marriages and baptism of his grandchildren.

Dick is survived by his wife of 57 years: JoAnn; his brother: Henry of West Point; children: Tim of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Brian (Juli) of Elkhorn, Teri (David) Chasten of Westminster, Colorado, Jennifer (Robert) Kirby of The Dalles, Oregon; grandchildren: Emily, Kate, and Jon Drueke, Peter Chasten, and Reed Kirby. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and sister: Sr. Agnes Ann Drueke. 

There will be a Visitation 4:00 – 6:00 PM Tuesday with Rosary 6:00 PM at Roeder Mortuary – Gretna Chapel; The Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM Wednesday (11/13/2024) at St. Patrick Catholic Church 508 Angus St. Gretna, Nebraska; Burial at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Gretna, Nebraska. There will be a Luncheon at church after burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Madonna Hospital Foundation or to Heartland Neurological Therapy and Wellness Center.

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. - Gretna Chapel - 11710 Standing Stone - Gretna, NE - 402-332-0090

www.RoederMortuary.com