Frederick "Rick" Gough

On September 25, 2024, Frederick “Rick” Melvin Gough passed surrounded by loved ones, at age 76. Rick had recently embarked on a tumultuous road to recovery following a sudden heart attack in July. He was scheduled for a valve replacement in October, but Rick was called to the Kingdom of Heaven early, earning his wings in September. Rick’s family is heartbroken by his unexpected passing, though they take great comfort in knowing he is at peace in the Lord’s embrace.

On Thursday, August 5, 1948, Melvin and Valena Gough were blessed with the birth of their first child, Frederick Melvin Gough. In 1955, Rick was ecstatic to be promoted to big brother when his sister, Roxanne, was born. Rick adored being an older brother, doting on Roxanne as only a big brother could.

Born in Indianapolis and raised in Brownsburg, Indiana, Rick attended Brownsburg High School before pursuing a degree in education at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Rick worked as an operating room tech, preparing patients for surgery, to pay for his education.

As a young man, Rick enlisted in the United States National Guard. He served as a medic in the Indianapolis Army National Guard until moving to Iowa where he continued his service in the Sioux City Air National Guard. Rick was honorably discharged after eight years of dedicated service.

Rick started his first job as chief clerk for Indianapolis, Indiana’s Illinois Central Railroad, kickstarting a career in railroad transportation that would span four decades and ten cities.

In 1969, a mutual friend introduced Rick to Sandra Sue Shapiro, a Butler University student. Their connection was instant and soon blossomed into an ardent love. They were married before friends and family at Nelson Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Missouri on April 3, 1971. Over the next ten years, Rick and Sandy were blessed with the births of their three children, Tamara “Tami” Michalski, Heidi Wilhelm, and Christopher “Kit” Gough.

Rick was an adoring father, ensuring his children had every opportunity available. He was a passionate supporter of anything they chose to pursue. Although his work often took him away from home, Rick worked hard to be present for every milestone in his children’s lives. Through the highs and lows of their lives, Rick was always there to support his children and surround them with love.

In 1978, Rick began a career at Union Pacific Railroad where he spent more than thirty years before retiring as the Senior Business Director in 2010. As a retiree, Rick enjoyed shooting trap, traveling, birding, eating ice cream, and spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. With the birth of his youngest grandchild in 2013, Rick was elated to spend the early years of his retirement watching Oliver grow. Rick was also a dedicated attendee of his grandchildren’s various sporting events, theatrical performances, speech meets, and concerts. He was their most avid fan.

In 2011, Rick was shocked to receive a breast cancer diagnosis from his dermatologist. Rick took his diagnosis in stride, using his experience as an opportunity to educate others about the risk of breast cancer in men, working with Oncology Associates, P.C. to create content for their Medical Minutes series. Rick was delighted to participate in a catwalk alongside fellow cancer survivors during the first night of Omaha Fashion Week 2013. He was also the first male breast cancer survivor featured in the annual Project Pink’d, Inc. Exposed calendar. In his own words, "If there are any men in your life, love them enough to explain to them that men can get breast cancer too."

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Valena and Melvin Gough; his sister, Roxanne Gough Vargo; his in-laws, Jaqueline and Irving I. Shapiro; and his brother-in-law, Irving J. Shapiro.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy Gough; children, Tami (Brian) Michalski, Heidi (Michael) Wilhelm, and Kit (Julie) Gough; grandchildren, Kathryn (Parker), Jason (Gabrielle), Ethan (Bailey), Nicole (Braxton), Alex (Miranda), Jesse, and Oliver; great-grandchild Adalyn; sister-in-law, Wendy Kaye; brother-in-law, Joseph Kaye; nephews, Randy (Ashley), Anthony (Sidra), and Jason (Amanda); and canine companions, Teddy and Darby. Countless other family members and dear friends will also feel the effects of this loss.

The family would like to thank the teams at CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center—Bergan Mercy, CHI Health Immanuel, and CHI Health Lakeside for their compassionate care while Rick was hospitalized. They would also like to thank family and friends for keeping Rick in their prayers during the last weeks of his life and surrounding him with love and light.

Rick’s beloved wife and children will host a celebration of life at The Players Club in Omaha, Nebraska, on Friday, October 25th, 2024, at 11:00 AM. We gather not to grieve our loss but to celebrate all the large and small moments we were fortunate enough to bask in the warm glow of Rick’s love and joyful spirit. 

If you plan to attend, please visit the following link: Rick Gough Celebration of Life