It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Leroy Keuter, a beloved husband, father, brother, Air Force veteran, and retired Lieutenant Colonel. Rick peacefully departed this life at the age of 75 on June 25th, with his two sons, Rick and Ryan, by his side. Born on November 1st, 1948, in Sutherland, NE, Rick lived a life filled with adventure, service, and a hearty dose of humor.  

Rick grew up on a dairy farm in Sutherland, NE, with his siblings, Arlene and Edwin, and his parents, Edwin and Adela. This small-town upbringing provided Rick with strong roots and great friendships. After leaving home, he attended The University of Nebraska, where he graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Engineering before joining the United States Air Force.

Rick's Air Force career spanned 23 distinguished years, from 1972 to 1995. He served early on as a pilot of the FB-111 and later as a pivotal navigator on the test teams for the B-1 and B-2 Bombers, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Lt. Col. Edwin Keuter, who flew on the B-52 Bomber. Rick also served from 1990 to 1995 in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm, finally retiring as Lieutenant Colonel.

Beyond his military achievements, Rick was the cherished husband of his beloved wife, Sherry, and a devoted father to his two sons, Rick and Ryan. During his time in the Air Force, he moved his family across the United States, from New Hampshire to Edwards AFB in California (where he received his Master's Degree in Engineering from USC), and then to Centerville, OH, where he and his wife spent most of their time raising their two sons. Family was the cornerstone of his life, and he found immense joy and fulfillment in spending time with them, teaching and playing baseball and football, taking them to air shows and sharing his love of cars and classic rock music. Once he retired, he and Sherry moved back to Nebraska where he took up bird watching and boating at Lake Maloney in North Platte where he and Sherry spent most of their retired years.  After Sherry’s passing in 2016, Rick moved to Arvada, Colorado in 2020 to be closer to his son Ryan and to spend more quality time with his family.

Rick took immense pride in his role as a grandparent to three adoring grandchildren: Chloe (14), Charley (10), and Lyndon (5). He loved spending time with them, imparting wisdom, helping with homework, especially those hard math questions, and leaving behind cherished memories that will live on in their hearts forever.

Rick's legacy is one of unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and profound love for his family and country. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, wisdom, faith, and strength. In his memory, let us not only mourn his passing but also celebrate the laughter and love he brought into our lives.

Rick leaves behind his sons, Rick and Ryan, daughters-in-law Erica and Rena, grandchildren Chloe, Charley (Rick & Erica), and Lyndon (Ryan & Rena), and his sister Arlene Kramer as well as many loving nieces and nephews. The family invites all who knew and loved Rick to join them in a celebration of his life, where stories of his adventures are encouraged.  

The family will be holding a memorial for Rick at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell NE on September 6th, 2024 at 1pm, all friends and family are welcome to attend.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rick may be made to Collier Hospice Center, Wheat Ridge, CO or DAV (Disabled American Veterans) for our military veterans (https://www.dav.org).