Richard J. Stehno
June 30, 1952 - December 15, 2020
Richard J. Stehno passed away peacefully at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT surrounded by his loving family after a courageously fought 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer and a pulmonary embolism.
Rich was born in Omaha, NE to Frank E. and Patricia A. (Wais) Stehno. While attending Westside High School, Omaha NE, his passion for woodworking was ignited by a wood working class.
In 1970 he started a 4-year electrical apprenticeship at Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha, NE leading to another life-long passion for all things electronic. Upon completion of the electrical apprenticeship, he continued to work for Union Pacific. His 43-year railroad career led him from Omaha, NE to Salt Lake City, UT and then to North Platte, NE where he retired in 2013. His love of electronics allowed for continuing education and life-long learning as electronics changed with the advent of electronic and computer technology. He successfully bridged the transition of trouble shooting on locomotives as electronics changed from paper schematics to carrying a laptop for diagnostic work while loving every minute of it.
Rich leaves behind a devoted family he adored and a legacy to survive him. His love for his family was evidenced by involvement in activities such as marathon movie watching and working on wood and electrical projects while utilizing his skills and ideas, demonstrating a strong work ethic, and setting a great example for his sons. Even as he was fighting the cancer, phone calls and Zoom sessions provided a medium to assist in troubleshooting projects with his sons when they would call for advice. With his wood working, electrical, and mechanical skillset, there was no project he could not fix or take on.
One of the last wood projects Rich undertook after his cancer diagnosis in 2019 was the rebuilding of the steps from the garage to the house. He could not wait to dismantle the builder-grade steps and install wider steps with the correct rise, run, slope, and a landing at the top to accommodate his beloved wife Rose and her walking issues. Rich was always up for yard landscaping projects, including establishing the Utah yard and planting the 93 perennials his wife brought from Nebraska in the fall of 2016, as well as continued landscaping projects that Rose had ideas for.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Patricia Stehno. He is survived by the love of his life of 47 years, Rose, and their sons Matthew and Andrew (Melissa) of Salt Lake City, UT and Thomas (Kelly) of Denver, CO, brother Frank of Herriman, UT, sister Virginia of Loveland, CO, sister Suzie and brother Joe of Omaha, NE, in addition to many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
Special thanks and gratitude to the Huntsman Cancer Clinic staff for all the medical attention and care through his cancer journey and to the Huntsman Hospital Intensive Care staff for the kindness and tenderness you showed him in his final days. Your extraordinary care will never be forgotten.
Cremation was chosen and Mass and internment for Rich will take place at a later date when family and friends can safely gather in 2021. Please share your condolences, memories, and photos with the family at www.starksfuneral.com.
Rich, we are proud of the man you were and for loving and providing for our family. We were truly fortunate to have had such a wonderful presence in our lives for the time that we had together on this earth. We miss you!
In Loving Memory
May Richs family and friends find comfort in knowing he is now with Jesus. May The Good Lord Bless. Sta
Stan Sojka Jr
Neligh, NE
I always looked forward to seeing Rich at family gathering. We always had a lot of laughs. But then, the best circuses always have two clowns (LOL). He always had a way of telling a silly joke that made the in-laws laugh and his wife grin/smile and shake her head. Rich loved to pick on family, especially Mary, which was also fun (even though I would never dream of participating) Even with the fact that he was Stanley's favorite son-in-law, I was always glad to have Rich as a brother-in-law, but even more so as a friend . I'm going to miss him. Family gatherings will never be the same. RIP Rich.
CHARLES E THIELE
Lincoln, NE
Rich had a great sense of humor and liked to tell jokes. I don’t think I ever saw him upset or mad or raise his voice. He loved electronics all his life and liked to do things on his cell phone and computer. Rich was also very good with woodwork and there didn’t seem there wasn’t anything Rich couldn’t do. Rich loved the mountains and was mild mannered and quiet and liked by everyone. Rich will be missed. Rest In Peace! Ted Sojka Brother in law
Ted Sojka
Omaha, NE
Rich will be greatly missed by his family and friends! His knowledge, humor and dependability are just a few of his attributes. Rich would bring his tools with him when he would go to the farm to visit, so he could take care of all his mother-in-law's projects. You sealed being the "favorite son-in-law for both Kathryn and Stanley. Rest is peace, Rich! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family! The Ryan Family
Julie Ryan
Lincoln, NE
I worked with Richard for many years at the Union Pacific Salt Lake Diesel Shop. He was always a pleasure to work with and fun to be around. Please accept my condolences for your loss. RIP Richard.
John E. Steiner
Salt Lake City, UT
I have so many memories of my brother in law Rich. I was very, very young when Rich and Rose would of started to date. I was the ring bear at their wedding which I barely remember. Rich would always say something funny or do something funny to make me laugh. He would act like he would take his eye ball out and put it his mouth, or run his finger threw a candle flame. These where just a couple things that made me think he was amazing. I also remember the time I got a Red Baron kite as a gift. We took it out to the pasture north of the house and got it to fly and the red tails came down and it was amazing. When I got a little older Mom and Dad would let me go and stay with Rich and Rose in Omaha. Rich was the first person to take me to a movie theater. We got into his old bronze 1970s something pickup that he bought from grandpa if I remember right. We drove to the theater and watched Superman. Most of all I will remember Rich's contagious laugh and all the things he would fix and make for around the farm. Rose our thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys.
Tom Sojka
Norfolk, NE
Rich was a private person. He told me he did not generally like to stay at other people's homes. He said he did feel comfortable staying at my house however. And, I did like that he felt that way. One morning when I got up Rich was reading a chemistry book. I was somewhat surprized at this but he said he was learning a lot. I think that is why Rich was so good at so many things, he was always reading and learning. Rich had a sense of humor that made us all smile. My prayers for Rich and peace and comfort to his family. I feel very blessed that I could be in Utah after Rich died. It helped me feel better to grieve with the Stehnos.
Beverly Sojka
Omaha, Ne
Rich was an great guy to work with at UP and a very pleasant individual to have known. He had a sense of humor that was very unique. Rest in peace Rich
robert davis
North Platte, NE