Richard John Promes

HARTINGTON - Richard John Promes, 94, Hartington, died Jan. 18, 2021, at the Norfolk Veterans Home, Norfolk.

Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 22 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington, with Rev. Owen Korte officiating.

Burial was in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Hartington, with military rites by the Hartington American Legion Post #5283 and the American Legion Riders. Visitation was Thursday, with a Vigil Service, all at the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington. Face masks and social distancing were required at the funeral and visitation.

Services were also live streamed at www. facebook.com/WintzRay/live.

Pallbearers were Trevor McQuay, Nathan Fischer, Cody Fischer, Tanner Fischer, Trey McQuay and Jonathan Lawler.

Honorary pallbearers were Alyssa Fischer, Kloe Fischer, Keesha McQuay, Jamie Blanchar, Heather Baumbach, Cyrena Miller, Keira Promes and Isabella Promes.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington.

Richard was born Dec. 8, 1926, to Joseph and Josephine (Frigge) Promes on the family farm six miles south of Hartington. He was baptized at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington. Richard was the fourth of nine children in his family. Richard’s family lived in several different places around the Hartington area, moving five times between 1935 and 1970. He graduated eighth grade at Rock Hill District #99 School and then attended Hartington Public School. After two years of school, Richard decided to help his father farm and also worked for other local farmers. In the winter of 1944-1945, Richard worked in Sioux City, Iowa, in the Swift Packing Plant. He was drafted into the Army in April 1945. He took his basic training at Camp Fannin, Texas, for four months. After basic training, Richard got one week of leave and then went to Fort Riley, Kan., and Seattle, Wash., all on a troop train. Richard was deployed overseas and was on a ship for 30 days before landing in Okinawa, Japan. He returned to the U.S. in November 1946. Richard went back to the farm with his parents and worked in a packing plant in Omaha during the winter. From 1947-1962, Richard farmed with his father. He got married Aug. 18, 1962, to Mary Ward and adopted her three children Julie, John and Vicky. Richard and Mary had four children together, Kathy, Mike, Teresa and Susan. In May 1970, Richard bought the Promes Bar, Hartington, and ran it until 1980, when he sold the bar and began working for Prince Hydraulics. He worked there until January 1992, when he retired. During retirement, Richard worked part time for the VFW club and managed it for a few years.

Richard enjoyed gardening, canning, playing cards, fishing, and bar tending. He also enjoyed cooking, watching Husker sporting events and the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.

Richard was active in the VFW and was proud of his military service. He was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church and held an hour of perpetual adoration for over 30 years.

Richard is survived by his children, Kathy (Andy) Miller, Malcolm; Michael (Yvonne) Promes, Papillion; Teresa (Troy) Fischer, Hartington; Susan (Jeremy) Lee, Box Elder, S.D.; siblings, JoAnn Leise, and Geraldine (Toby) Breinig; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with whom he loved spending time.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Josephine Promes; children, Julie Sudbeck, John Promes and Vicky Wiebersiek; siblings, Norbert Promes, Hugo Promes, Rita Brewer, Ray Promes, Gene Promes and George Promes; and his ex-wife, Mary (Ward) Promes.