Ralph James Tichota

Funeral Service for Ralph J. Tichota, age 80 of Clearwater, Nebraska will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Clearwater American Legion in Clearwater with Melanie Miller officiating. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Neligh, Nebraska with Military rites by Neligh American Legion Post #172 and VFW #5287. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Clearwater American Legion in Clearwater. Snider Memorial Funeral Home will be handling arrangements. Ralph passed on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.snidermemorial.com

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Clearwater Veterans Park.

Remembering Ralph J. Tichota: A life of Love, Family, and Community. Ralph was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend who passed away in a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on December 21, 1944 to Lambert and Edna (Lehnert) Tichota in Neligh, Nebraska. Grew up in Neligh, Nebraska and was active in sports. Graduated from Neligh High School in 1963. He earned his bachelor's degree in education with an emphasis P.E., Biology, and drivers education in 1967. During college years, he married the love of his life Barbara Ames his last year of his college education. He graduated from Wayne State College. He was drafted into the United States Army in February 1969 went to Fort Ord, California and Fort Benning Georgia before serving a year in Vietnam. Ralph started teaching at Clearwater Public School in the fall of 1971 until the spring of 2002. Where he taught Biology, P.E., and Drivers Education. He was also head coach for football, wrestling, and track. Above all Ralph entrusted his family camping, fishing, hunting and created many of his family's most cherished memories. He operated Trophy Taxidermy and did many animal mounts for people in the area. He was a member of Clearwater Legion Post #267 and Neligh VFW #5287.

Survived by his wife, Barb Tichota of Clearwater, NE. Daughters, Amy (Bryce) Thompson of Creston, NE and Chasda Richart of Pierce, NE. His grandchildren Seth and Justine Thompson and Shalene and Colby Richart. Sister and brother-in-law Gloria (Larry) Pochop of Albion; sister-in-law Jan Tichota of Omaha, NE. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brother, sister, and brother-in-law.