MITCHELL – Memorial services for Richard Warren Taedter, 89, will be held 10 a.m. Friday March 22, 2024, at the Holy Apostles Episcopal Church in Mitchell, Nebraska, with The Reverend Deacon Angie Jones officiating. Rich passed away peacefully March 7, 2024, at the Residency in Scottsbluff and cremation has taken place. Memorials can be made to the donor’s choice in Rich’s name. Arrangements are under the direction of the Colyer Funeral Home and condolences may be sent to www.colyerfuneralhome.com
Richard was born December 4, 1934, at Hastings, Nebraska, to Henry George and Ann Mae (Burnham) Taedter. He grew up in Hastings and Hebron and graduated from Hebron High School in 1953. He attended telegrapher school in Omaha, graduated in 1954 and went to work for the CB&Q Railroad. While working for the railroad in Sidney, Neb. he met Myrna Fastenau, daughter of Herbert D. G. and Minnie M. (Fredericksen) Fastenau. They married on September 9, 1956, at Gurley, Neb. He was inducted into the Army on July 31, 1957, and served in the Signal Corp in Honolulu, Hawaii until he was honorably discharged on July 7, 1959. After living in several communities as he built up seniority with the railroad, Richard and Myrna settled in Alliance, Neb. where son Richard and daughter Carolyn were born. While working for the Burlington Northern Railroad, the family lived in Havre and Livingston, Mont.; Creston, Iowa; and then settled in Torrington, Wyo. Richard retired from the railroad while living in Torrington. Richard was a Master Mason for over 65 years and was a past Worshipful Master. He was also a long-time member of the Order of Eastern Star and was a past Worthy Patron. Richard happily served as Chapter Dad for Torrington’s Max Burke Chapter of DeMolay and as Bethel Guardian of Torrington’s Job’s Daughters Bethel #20. Richard’s second career started after retiring from the railroad when he became a self-taught Registered Locksmith and opened the Miracle Fix-it Shop in Torrington. Richard then opened and operated Rich’s Lock Shop for over 30 years. Richard married Mary Carol (Dougan) Brust in Torrington on Feb. 14, 1990. They made their home in Gering.
Survivors include daughter Carolyn and son-in-law Ty Jones of Helena, Mont.; daughter-in-law, Lisa Taedter of Montgomery, Tex.; grandson, Brendan Taedter of Scottsbluff, Neb.; step-daughter Sue Ellen Brust of Blair, Neb.; and step-son Thom Brust and family of Bayard, Neb. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Myrna; second wife, Mary; and son Richard.
