Richard Joe Rediger was born July 24, 1944, in Beemer to Merle and Erna (Eichelberger) and passed away suddenly Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, at Bryan East Medical Center in Lincoln at the age of 76.
When Richard was a young child, after Erna died, he was raised by Merle’s second wife, Norma Stutzman-Rediger. He attended Milford Public Schools and later enrolled into Milford Trade School, graduating with a degree in Diesel Mechanics. Rich was employed with Caterpillar, Inc., in North Platte where he met his wife, Alice Warren, and to this union two daughters, Machelle and Candice, were born. He returned to Milford and worked as a mechanic at Goodyear before opening Rediger Farm Service. He was blessed with a second marriage to Mildred Chrastil in 1989. Richard also helped farm for Bill Stauffer, Midwest Tree Cutter's and most recently with Tim Stutzman’s Digging Service. He truly enjoyed working, had a great passion for the farming community and the importance of serving the customer. Rich loved going to sprint car races and working outdoors in his yard.
Survivors include his daughters, Machelle Hamme, Alexandria, Virginia, and Candice Kerst, Atlanta, Georgia; a granddaughter, Sienna Rediger-Hamme, Alexandria; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his two wives, Alice and Mildred; his brother, Robert “Bob” Rediger; an infant sister, Linda Kay; and a step-son, Troy Chrastil.
A graveside services was Nov. 14 at Blue Mound Cemetery, Milford. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be left for the family at www.lauberfh.com.
