Richard K Docekal

RICHARD KENT DOCEKAL, 68 of Ogallala, passed away on October 1, 2020, at Ogallala Community Hospital.

Richard was born October 27, 1951 in Omaha, Nebraska; the eldest and only son of Anton and Wilma (Palm) Docekal. He graduated from Central High School and attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1974 and Master of Arts Degree in Speech in 1978. In 1989, he continued his education and received his second Master's Degree in Literature from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

On October 26, 1974, Richard married Marcia Weldon in Sutton, Nebraska. Their union was blessed with two children, Kent Richard and Monte Leigh, who proved to be a wellspring of joy and pride for Richard throughout his life.

Richard began his teaching career in Cambridge Nebraska before returning to Lincoln to further his education. The couple moved to Ogallala in 1978, where Richard taught Speech and English at both the Middle and High School. In 2004, Richard began teaching Speech and Creative Writing at Mid-Plains Community College in Ogallala. Upon retirement, Richard spent several summers working for the Game & Parks Commission at Lake McConaughy.

In his youth, Richard was an Eagle Scout and was a founding member of the Balkan Crisis Band from 1968 to 1971. He enjoyed reminiscing about his time in the band and enjoyed connecting with former bandmates and friends through the Band's Facebook page. Richard was also a member of The Moose Lodge in Ogallala.

Richard was a kindred spirit and had a way of engaging with everyone he met. Ever full of witticisms, stories, and joy, Richard resonated on his own frequency that made people smile, laugh, and think. In his unique way, he evoked the best in his students and the people around him. He loved people, which was one reason he enjoyed working at the lake in the summertime. His playful demeanor and quick wit often garnered him breakfast with the campers, who appreciated his enthusiasm and spirit. Richard had a knack for picking up the humor in people and things around him. He was known by his family to ad-lib his own lyrics to songs, often to the point of hilarity. When traditional tunes were unfit, Richard would craft a tune of his own creation, affixing the lyrics of his choice in such a way as to elicit smiles, laughter, embarrassment, or whatever the mood demanded. His students often affectionately called him "Mr. D." A beloved husband, proud father, inspired teacher, accomplished writer, whimsical comic, comedic lyricist, beleaguered Cubs, and Husker fan, and an eternal optimist; Richard leaves behind a meaningful legacy and a litany of people whose lives were better having intersected his. As Bob Dylan said, "A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do."

Richard was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Marcia of Ogallala; children, Kent Richard (Marci) Docekal, and their children, Breya and Brynn, all of Mitchell; Monte Docekal and grand-dog, Scout; sisters, Merry Carol (Gerry) Cox of Mitchell, SD; Lori Docekal, Pender, NE; in-laws, Bruce (Lois) Weldon of Lawrence, KS, Murray (Lucie) Weldon of Lake Lotawana, MO, Curt (Corrine) Weldon of Hiawatha, KS, Jim (Jose) Weldon of Lawrence, NE, Jody Weldon of Tucson, AZ, and Nancy Peta of Nashville, TN; Dudley Weldon of Phoenix, AZ ; Mother in-law Dixie Weldon of Sutton NE as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A memorial has been established in Richard's memory with the intent to support the Mid Plains Community College - Ogallala Extended Campus. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.

A Celebration of Life open house will be held on Friday, October 9, 2020, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala. No Interment of cremains is planned.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.