Rick O. Sundell

Rick O. Sundell, age 59, entered into the presence of the Lord at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, NE, on February 18, 2025, after a courageous battle against cancer.

Rick was born on September 8, 1965, in Omaha, NE, to proud parents Roger Dean and Dorothy (Dot) Mae (Hughes) Sundell. Rick grew up in Blair, NE where he graduated from high school in 1983.

He went on to proudly serve our country in the United States Air Force for 11 years. He began his military career at F. E. Warren Airforce base in Cheyenne, WY. His job, while there, was in security, guarding the underground nuclear missiles. From there he was deployed to Lackland Airforce base in Texas, serving as an emergency room medic. He was then transferred to Hickam Airforce Base in Hawaii to continue his work as an emergency room medic. Throughout his service, Rick received many medals, ribbons and decorations including the Airforce Longevity Service Award, the Airforce Training Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, the Airforce Outstanding Unit Award, the Airforce Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. In addition, he served 5 years in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

After completing his military service, Rick worked various jobs including the State of Nebraska DOT, Agland Coop, Stockman’s Feed and Supply, and Trenton Electric. After retiring he worked for Nebraska Game and Parks caring for Rock Creek Recreation Area in Parks, NE.

Rick married Suzette Hart, and together they had two children, Crystal and Derrick. In 1999, he found his true love Shelly Minard, and they exchanged vows at Sage Hill Vineyard in Parks, NE. Their union brought Rick’s youngest son, Alec.

Rick was a loving husband, a devoted father, proud grandfather and a friend to many. He was well known for his quick wit, love of fishing and unwavering loyalty to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Rick enjoyed gardening with his wife Shelly and pheasant hunting with family and friends. In addition, he and his family spent much of their time together camping, boating and listening to music around the campfire.

Rick brought joy to every gathering. He had a passion for barbecuing; always ensuring family and friends were well-fed and full of laughter. His sense of humor was as infectious as his kindness — he could dish out jokes just as easily as he laughed at himself

Rick was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Bob Sundell. and his cousins Chuck Ferrin and Jeff White.

 Those left behind to mourn his passing are his loving wife Shelly Sundell of Benkelman, NE; children, Alec Sundell of Lincoln, NE, Crystal West (Eric Chalupa) of McCook, NE, Derrick Sundell of McCook, NE, and; brother, Don (Jody) Sundell of Herman, NE; sister, Sheri (Craig) Thomas of Blair, NE; grandson, Thedrick Harpman, as well as numerous loving family members and friends.

A believer in Jesus Christ, let us find comfort in knowing that Rick is now at peace in the arms of His Savior.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are in Rick’s name to the family to be designated at a later date, C/O of Carpenter-Breland, PO box 476, McCook, NE.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home, McCook, NE, on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 11:00 am, with Pastor Jim Gleason, officiating.