Richard Duitsman Obituary

Richard Duitsman

June 17, 1938 - April 2, 2025

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Richard L. Duitsman, a loving and devoted husband, father, and friend to all whose lives he touched, on April 2, 2025. Born on June 17, 1938 in Beatrice, Neb. to Peter and Grace (Focken) Duitsman, he lived a full, adventurous, and ambitious life for 86 years. Richard was a knowledgeable and generous man who found joy sharing stories and in the simpler things in life, and was an avid outdoorsman. A regular attendee of auctions and sales, he had a keen eye for salvaging. Richard was a member of St. John Lutheran Church.

Richard was a proud veteran, having served in the United States Navy from January 16, 1956 until June 16, 1959. Richard was a dedicated iron worker, and owned his own business' throughout the years in Beatrice and in Texas, including Duitsman Wholesale in Canton, Texas. Richard married the love of his life, Joyce McCourtney, on August 28, 1961, and their marriage was a testament of enduring love and companionship.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joyce; his daughters, Dorothy and Nancy; his son-in-law, Dale Pomajzl; five grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Pomajzl; his brother, Ronny Duitsman; and his parents, Peter and Grace (Focken) Duitsman.

Cremation has taken place, but a register book is available during the public visitation held on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 12 to 8 p.m. at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel, located at 708 North 6th Street, Beatrice, Nebraska. A family prayer service will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 10:45 a.m. at the St. John Lutheran Church, located at 701 North 6th Street, Beatrice, Nebraska. This will be followed by a celebration of Richard's life at 11 a.m. at the same venue. The service will be livestreamed by the church on their website. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Cottonwood Hospice with the funeral home in charge. Burial of his ashes will be at a later date at the Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice.

We invite you to share your memories and photos of Richard on his memorial page to help us celebrate his generous and adventurous life.

These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.

Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel

708 N. 6th Street

Beatrice, NE 68310

402-223-3521