Doris Ann (Eret) Richtarik, 89, formerly of Wilber, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, at Ridgeway Senior Living in Lexington with family by her side.
Doris was born Jan. 22, 1933, in rural Dorchester, to Adolph and Emma Eret. Doris attended school in Dorchester, but transferred to Crete her junior and senior year of high school and graduated with the Class of 1950. She went on to further her education at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln from 1950-1953 and finished nursing school at Omaha Methodist Hospital from 1953-1954, and graduated as a Registered Nurse.
Doris was united in marriage to Eugene Lee Richtarik on Jan. 27, 1953, in Dorchester. Two daughters were blessed to this marriage: Patrice and Paula.
Doris and Gene made their home in rural Wilber in 1954. Doris blessed the local community with her nursing skills, working for the Wilber Medical Office and with the Wilber Public Schools.
Doris was a faithful member of the Wilber United Methodist Church, where she was active in UMW, and many church functions. She was a member of the Women’s American Legion Auxiliary, unit Post #101 of Wilber.
Doris enjoyed gardening, especially flowers, along with bird watching, with an affinity for her winter cardinals and spring wrens. Her fruit trees, as they filled over the seasons, were something she always tended to, and looked forward to sharing with her family. She spent much time in the kitchen, where her children and grandchildren learned the art, and love, of many family recipes. Doris played the piano accordion in her younger years, as well as her organ in her home. Music was always important to her, and in her most recent years, she found joy in listening to old hymns. She also enjoyed her fishing trips with her husband, traveling to see her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Doris, by many, was known for her quiet confidence, her unwavering faith in Jesus and her gentle wisdom about life. She was an amazing listener, nurse, wife, sister, mom, grandma and friend. “One day at a time…(sweet Jesus)” was her favorite line – reminding us: today is what counts – do not worry about tomorrow.
Doris is survived by her daughters: Patrice (Mike) Johnson of Lenexa, Kansas, and Paula (Phil) Robles, of rural Cozad; grandchildren, Carli (Josh) Reiners, of rural Harvard, Mark (Rachal) Robles of Omaha, Graham Johnson of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and Kirsten Johnson (Jordan Volkmer) of Loveland, Colorado; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Katy, Sydney and Jax, Dawson and Olivia; sister, Gladys Schmidt of Fremont, as well as many extended family and friends. She was incredibly grateful for the friends she made and the nurturing care she received, thank you to Lexington Regional Health Center, Shackley Retirement Village, Ridgeway Senior Living and Brookestone Home Health and Hospice.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Adolph and Emma Eret; father and mother-in-law, Lumir and Rose Richtarik; husband, Eugene; brother, Don Eret; sister-in-law, Lois Eret; brother-in-law, Ted Schmidt; brother-in-law, Raymond Krivohlavek; sister-in-law, Maxine Krivohlavek; brother-in-law, Frank Oliva; and sister-in-law, Shirley Oliva.
A graveside service was Jan. 16 at the Wilber Czech Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family for later designation. Arrangements by Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.
