Richard Bourelle

A memorial service for Richard Bourelle will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Nelson Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska, with Pastor Daren Popple officiating. An inurnment will follow at the Prairie Home Cemetery, Holdrege.

Richard Harold "Rich" Bourelle, 85, of Holdrege, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Holdrege Memorial Homes in Holdrege. Rich was born in Forest Grove, Oregon on October 25, 1939, the eldest of six children born to Harold and LaRena (Burklund) Bourelle. Richard attended country school northeast of Atlanta and graduated from Holdrege High School in 1958.

Throughout his life, he worked at various places. He worked at Coca-Cola, Consolidated Motor Freight, and Industrial Pipelines - building interstate 70 in Kansas. After moving back to Holdrege, Richard worked at Becton-Dickinson for 25 years in the warehouse. He also operated a cleaning and lawn mowing business. After retiring, he enjoyed driving cars for Janssen Auto Group.

On June 8, 1963, Richard and Paula (Hoy) were united in marriage at Bethany Lutheran Church southeast of Axtell. To this union three daughters, Dawn, Tami and Sonja were born. Richard and Paula enjoyed 61 years of marriage.

Richard and Paula enjoyed fishing together and they entered many fishing tournaments at Harlan County Lake. He also enjoyed camping with family, and attending his children's, grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's events.

Rich was a member of North Park Assembly of God in Holdrege.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents; two siblings in infancy; two grandsons: Kelly Hupka in infancy; and Mitchell Hupka at age 17; brother, Larry Bourelle; a son-in-law, Eugene "Gene" Brown; brother-in-law, Keith Ziems; and a nephew, Jeff Bourelle.

Rich is survived by his wife, Paula Bourelle of Holdrege; three daughters:Dawn (Doug) Marlett of Hays, Kansas; Tami Brown of York, Nebraska; and Sonja (Brian) Taylor of Holdrege; six grandchildren: Derek Marlett of Hays; Tara Marlett (Austin Payne) of Fairview, Oregon; Kacie (Dennis) Castillo and Dustin Brown of York; Kaela Brown of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Amanda (Nolan) Hill of Hill City, Kansas; nine great-grandchildren: Nikkolas, Emma, Gracie, Izabella, Huntleigh, Weston, Lukus, Konner, and Raigen; siblings: Betty (Louis) Winkelmann of Holdrege; and Polly Ziems of Kearney, Nebraska; and sister-in-law, Sharon Bourelle of Stromsburg, Nebraska; also a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

There will be no visitation or memorial book signing. The family is honoring Rich's wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established in Rich's honor, and kindly suggested to the family for future designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.