July 20, 1946 ~ July 21, 2026
Richard L. “Rick” Kelle, 80, of Sterling, Nebraska, passed away on July 21, 2026, at Bryan West Medical Center in Lincoln. Determined to reach his 80th birthday, Rick reached that milestone on July 20th before his passing the following day. Rick was born on July 20, 1946, in Tecumseh, Nebraska, to Bill and Leona (Stutheit) Kelle. He graduated from Sterling High School and spent his life in the Sterling community. Rick married Kristi A. Scott on May 17, 1981, at Coryell Park near Brock. They lived on the family farm near Sterling and owned and operated “The Filing Station”, Scotts Café, and he was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church of Sterling and the Sterling Rescue Squad where he was fire chief for 30 plus years. Rick found joy in raising Shorthorn cattle, fishing, making homemade ice cream, canning, and one of his favorite Thanksgiving traditions— preparing fried turkeys for families to enjoy.
Survivors include his honorary children, Angela (Derek) Wilkinson of Burchard, Jason (Bethel) Adams of Walker, MN; grandsons, Dawson and Drake Wilkinson; sisters, Cheryl Unvert of Sterling, Betty (John) Kirby of Lincoln, Deb (Ralph) Kuwamoto of Lincoln; nephews, Mark (Sue) Unvert, Thom (Shellye) Johnson; nieces, Mary Beth Rathe, Melissa (Mark) Kocour, Marcy (Jeff) VanEngen, Megan (Steve) Wiese, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Leona Kelle; wife, Kristi (2022); son, David Kelle (2023); parents-inlaw, Richard and Joyce Scott; brothers-in-law, Roger Unvert, Kenneth Adams and brotherin- law Jim and sister-in-law Barbara Scott.
Inurnment will be at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Sterling Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church of Sterling with Pastor Dennis Reich officiating. A family prayer service will be held at 10:45 A.M. on Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to St. John Lutheran Church of Sterling with Tim and Viola Lucas in charge. www.foxfuneralhome.net Arrangements entrusted Zink-Fox Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Sterling.