Richard LeRoy “Dick” Bugbee

Richard LeRoy “Dick” Bugbee was born August 27, 1929, to Lewis & Ila Bugbee at Steele City, NE. He was the youngest of 4 children. He passed away on December 4, 2023, at Gardenside Nursing home in Fairbury. He attended District 88 school east of the home place where he walked to school “uphill both ways”. He later graduated high school in Steele City in 1947. After high school he helped his dad with raising purebred Herefords as L.R. Bugbee & Sons Herefords. He also joined the Air Force to serve our country during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Wichita Falls, Texas, working on engines for the fighters. He achieved the rank of airman 2nd class before receiving a dependency discharge in May of 1951 to return home to the family farm. During the same time, he joined the Union Pacific for a short time. He also worked for the department of roads, working on Highway 15, south of Fairbury with the M tractor he shared with his future Dad-in-law Hubert Stewart. During that time, he met the love of his life Elverine Stewart at the gym in Hollenberg, Kansas while roller-skating. They were married April 24th, 1955, in Hanover, Kansas. They continued farming and took over the family farm. To this union 3 boys were born, Larry Eugene, LaVern Richard and James Stewart. They continued farming during the good times and the tough times. During the 1970’s, during some better times, Richard restored the IH M that he shared with Elverine’s dad. The tractor is still being used to this day. LaVern has videos of great grandsons driving the M. In 1982, they received the Pioneer Farm award. He also received conservation awards and numerous dairy awards over the years. Richard and Elverine were married until her death in August of 1992, at which time he slowed down his activity in the family farm. He then became active in the Jefferson County Historical Society and donated countless hours of his time. He also was the caretaker of the Steele City Cemetery Association for several decades until his health would not let him do the work. He was a member of the Cambell Klein Post 349 American Legion for 70 years. He also received the Veteran of the month and a quilt of Valor. Richard is survived by Larry, LaVern and wife Lesa, and Jim, granddaughters Jessica Flynn and husband Caleb and Jennifer Wiese and husband Curtis, step granddaughters Heidi and husband Nick Warnke & Kaitlyn Phillips, great-grandchildren Evan & Harper Wiese, Brinlee & Jaymeson Flynn., Jace Phillips, Weston Warnke, Kain Schoenrock, Layne Warnke, Ren Phillips and Rixon Phillips. He is also survived by sister-in-law Jeanette Stewart, several nieces, nephews and numerous friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by wife of 37 years Elverine, sister Margeret Cassell, brother Virgil, sister Bonnie Edwards, parents Lewis & Ila Bugbee, parents-in-law Hubert & Ella Stewart and brother-in-law Darrel Stewart. Services will be Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Jansen Bible Church in Jansen, NE, with burial in the Steele City Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Friday evening from 6 – 8 at the funeral home. Memorials will go to the Family’s Choice. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com

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