Richard “Rick” Lee Elofson of North Bend, passed away on Jan. 14, 2026, at Methodist Hospital in Omaha
surrounded by his family.
Rick was born on May 18, 1954, to Mel and Ruth (Wilson) Elofson in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was the youngest of three boys. In the spring of 1956, the family moved to Wayne after his parents purchased the Coast to Coast store. Rick had a lot of fond memories of growing up in Wayne and the friends he made there.
After graduating from Wayne High in 1972, Rick began exploring his path in life, taking on a variety of jobs, including serving as a deputy in Randolph and working for the Nebraska Department of Roads. In November 1975, while moonlighting as a bouncer at
Big Al’s bar in Wayne, fate stepped in when a young woman caught his attention and never let go. On August 14, 1976, Rick married Lynette Snover in North Bend, beginning a journey together that would last the rest of his days.
A few years into their marriage the couple settled in Wayne and began their family. It was there they welcomed three daughters, Michelle, Mandy and Shari. In 1984, while expecting their son, Michael, they purchased Lyn’s grandparents’ home in North Bend where they still reside.
In 1977, Rick took his brother Larry’s advice and joined him in truck driving. That choice launched a 16‑year career on the road, carrying him through 47 states. (In retirement, he eventually added Alaska and Maine to the list.) Though being away from home was difficult, his children treasure the memories of the week‑long summer trips they each took with their dad. Those one‑on‑one adventures became cherished traditions, filled with stories and moments they still hold close.
After 16 years on the road, Rick was ready to spend more time at home. Following brief stints with a few local businesses, he and Lyn opened Little Ricky’s Saloon and Good Time Emporium in North Bend. For Rick, Little Ricky’s was far more than a business—it was his passion. He took great pride in transforming three Main Street buildings into a spacious dining area and a lively dance floor where he could host local musicians. He cared deeply about the quality of every drink poured and meal served,
but he cared even more about the people behind it all—his employees and the customers who walked through the door.
Rick never lost his love for the open road. After selling Little Ricky’s in 2010, he eased into “retirement” by hauling small loads and campers across the country, happily finding any excuse to keep driving. He and Lyn traveled far and wide, revisiting the places he’d seen during his trucking years and discovering countless new ones together.
Rick was opinionated and stubborn in all the ways that made him unmistakably himself, and it’s true that not everyone saw it his way. But those who knew him saw the soft-heartedness he often tried to hide, the humor that could fill a room, and the creativity
that made even ordinary moments feel memorable. To the people lucky enough to be in his circle, he was endlessly entertaining, unexpectedly tender, and genuinely fun to be around—a one‑of‑a‑kind presence who will be deeply missed.
In recent years, Rick faced a series of health challenges that slowly limited his ability to travel and even enjoy many of the simple things he once enjoyed. Still, his trademark stubbornness and fierce determination kept him pushing forward, fighting for every bit
of time he could. Though his body eventually grew too tired to continue, his spirit—and the memories he created—will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
Rick is survived by his wife Lynette; children Michelle (Brett) Wilkins, Mandy (Matt) Robinson, Shari (Justin) Elofson and Michael (Samantha) Elofson; eight grandchildren Riley, Kobe, Brodie and Gradi Wilkins, Parker and Grant Robinson, and Clayton and Violet Elofson; brother and sister-in law Dean and Nancy Elofson, brother-in-law Terry Snover, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Denise and Stu Essman; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law, Clayton and Carol Snover and brother Larry Elofson.
The funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 22 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Bend. The Rev. Lawson Short will officiate. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Moser Memorial Chapel in North Bend. Burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery in North Bend.
Memorial may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, St. Peter Lutheran Church, and the North Bend VFW. Online condolences may be left at: www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published Jan. 28, 2026

Kim Marie Ruzicka, 65, of North Bend passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026 in
Omaha.
Kim was born November 22, 1960, in Rock Rapids, Iowa to Darrel and Sheila (Coy) Steenblock. Her family moved to Fremont in 1964. After high school, Kim worked at the Fremont City Administrator’s office and then for the Fremont Utilities.
She married Jay Ruzicka May 2, 1992. After moving to North Bend, she worked for L&L Lumber and OPPD. For the last 18 years, Kim has been the office manager at Boschult Engineering before retiring in September 2025.
She is survived by daughters Taylor (Kolin) Scheele, Fairbury, and Cheyenne (Brandon) Ellinghausen, West Point; four grandchildren: Chance Ellinghausen, Zoie-Ann Ellinghausen, Remington Ruzicka-Ellinghausen and Kreighton Scheele; ex-husband Jay Ruzicka, North Bend; father Darrel Steenblock, Fremont; siblings Brett Steenblock, Fremont, Stacie Steenblock, Lincoln, and nephew Kyle Steenblock, Fremont.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Sheila Steenblock.
A memorial service will be 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, at Moser Memorial Chapel in Fremont. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Moser’s.
Online condolences can be left at: www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published Jan. 21, 2026

Kirk Alan Ruzicka of North Bend passed away Dec. 19, 2025, at his home surrounded by family and friends after a long, hard fought battle with cancer.
Kirk was born on March 1, 1966, in Schuyler to Robert “Bob” and Bonnie (Hovenden) Ruzicka. He grew up on a farmstead northwest of North Bend and attended Tower Elementary School in District 92 before graduating from North Bend Central High School in 1984. He later earned an associate’s degree in technology from Southeast Community College in Milford. Kirk built a long and respected career as a broadband installer and technician, most recently working for Great Plains Communications in North Bend.
Kirk had a passion for cooking and loved nothing more than preparing meals for friends and family. He especially enjoyed smoking meats and sharing good food, good music, and good laughs with those he loved. An avid music lover, Kirk had an extensive CD collection and enjoyed attending concerts whenever he could. He also loved road trips, especially when they involved visiting family and friends.
Although Kirk never had children of his own, family meant everything to him. His nieces, Taylor Ruzicka-Scheele and Cheyenne Ruzicka-Ellinghausen, were like daughters to him, and he cherished his role as an uncle and great-uncle.
Above all else, Kirk found joy in taking care of others. Whether grocery shopping, cooking meals, or simply showing up when someone needed him, he gave selflessly. He had a gift for making people smile and laugh, often with a perfectly timed one-liner. His kindness, thoughtfulness and laughter left a lasting impression on everyone he met, and every life he touched was brighter because of him.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Kirk is survived by his brother, Jay Ruzicka of Morse Bluff; nieces Taylor Ruzicka-Scheele (Kolin Scheele) of Fairbury and Cheyenne (Brandon) Ellinghausen of West Point; great-nephew Kreighton Scheele; great-nephews Chance Ellinghausen, Remington Ruzicka-Ellinghausen; and great-niece Zoie-Ann Ellinghausen, all of whom brought him immense joy.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28 at the North Bend City Auditorium in North Bend.
Online condolences may be left at: www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

Published Jan. 14, 2026

On Saturday, January 3, 2026, Thomas P. Masters passed away peacefully in Fremont. Originally from Omaha, he and his wife Carol lived in North Bend for the past 12 years to be closer to family.
Tom is survived by his wife Carol; daughters Leslie (Edward) Emanuel of North Bend, Dana (Paul) Buschkemper of Apex, North Carolina; son Troy (Bethany) Gronberg of Olympia,Washington; and four grandchildren.
A memorial Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 10, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in North Bend.
Family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10 a.m. with the rosary starting at 10 a.m. at the church.
Burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery in North Bend.

Published Jan. 7, 2026

Ronald J. Wolken, 86, of West Point, died Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Oakland Heights.
His funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. on January 10 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point with Rev. James Weeder as celebrant. Burial with military honors will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery with lunch following at the Guardian Angels Central Catholic Cafeteria. Visitation will be Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Knights of Columbus Rosary 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Memorials may be made to Guardian Angels Central Catholic Endowments.
Ronald “Ron” Wolken was born on December 24, 1939, on the family farm outside of Scribner to Bernard and Ann (Dinslage) Wolken. He attended Guardian Angels School and graduated in 1958. Following high school, he proudly joined the Army Reserves and continued his education at Wayne State College. On June 15, 1963, Ron was united in marriage to Joan Harstick at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point.
Ron worked for Magnus Metal in Fremont for 22 years. During that time, the family lived in Fremont for 13 years before returning to West Point in 1978. Upon moving back, Ron and his brother Mel bought Hagedorn Motors, which they owned and operated together. Ron later
worked at IBP, retiring in 2001.
Ron enjoyed gardening, fishing and family camping trips. He loved sports including playing softball and coaching youth baseball teams for many years. A devoted family man, he rarely missed a game or activity involving his children or grandchildren and was a strong supporter of Catholic education. Ron was a member of the Knights of Columbus and lived his faith through quiet service.
Ron is survived by his wife, Joan Wolken, and their children: Randy (Denise) Wolken of Syracuse, New York, and Annemarie, Christina and Rebecca; Dan (Yun) Wolken of Sutherland, Tia (Jeremy Fuhr) and their children Chas, Thatcher, Sybil, and Hazel; Ty (Hailey) and Tasha and Yang;
Rhonda (Russ) Sellentin of North Bend and Amber (Dylan) Lingle and their children Isla and Ardin; Tiffany (Paul) Cox and their children Frankie and Archie; and Brett (Rosa) and their children Ismael, Aleyda, and Ava; David (Jodi) Wolken of Colorado Springs, Colo;
Ryan Wolken (Hilary) of West Point and Cooper, Logan, Avyn, and Grahm.
Ron is also survived by his sisters-in-law Sydelle Wolken and Patty Wolken.
He was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Ann Wolken; his stepfather Sylvester Hilz; and his brothers Delwin “Red” Wolken and Melvern Wolken.

Published Jan. 7, 2026