Richard “Dick” Graham Campbell, of Seward, was born July 23, 1946, to Robert and Gwendolyn (Graham) Campbell in Seward.
He was baptized and confirmed at the Presbyterian Church, and later became a member of St. John Lutheran Church. He attended Seward High School, graduating in 1964. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Southern State College of Springfield, South Dakota, and his Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. On Oct. 5, 1979, Dick was united in marriage to Linda Huetig at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church (Middle Creek) in rural Seward. He worked for the Nebraska State Department of Education with a focus on vocational education. Once he retired from the state, he began teaching at Beatrice High School, overseeing their Career-to-Work program.
Dick had many hobbies and interests. Before pursuing his educational career, he received his associate degree in auto mechanics from Southeast Community College. His love of working on cars was something he passed along to his daughter, with whom they shared many weekends down at Rolfsmeier Motors, keeping their cars spic and span. Dick loved music and acted in plays while in high school. His favorite bands were Chicago, the Bee Gees and the Beach Boys. As a servant to his community, Dick served on multiple boards and committees. He was an integral part of the new addition to the Seward Memorial Hospital, and later as president of the board. Dick was on the city council for many years, working on various projects to enrich our town.
As an avid fan of Husker football and volleyball, during games, there was never a quiet moment in the house. His true passion was his love of golf. Being raised “on the golf course,” he played as much as he could, passing along his talent to his daughter, and hopefully his grandsons. Dick passed away Dec. 6, 2023, in Seward, at the age of 77 years.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Campbell of Seward; daughter, Brittany (Chris) Lees of Ankeny, Iowa; brother, Don (Ann) Campbell of Omaha; grandsons, Cameron and Carter Lees, of Ankeny; brothers and sisters- in-law; nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gwendolyn Campbell; mother-in-law, Dorothy Huetig; and sister-in-law, Renee Jensen.
Signing of the remembrance book will be Friday, Dec. 15, from 1 – 8 p.m. at Volzke Funeral Home in Seward with a gathering of friends from 6:30 – 8 p.m. A memorial service will be Saturday, Dec. 16, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward with committal at the Seward Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested in care of the Parkinson's Foundation. Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.
