Richard Lee Wells

Celebration of Life for Richard "Rick" Wells age 80 of Brunswick, NE will be held on December 12, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Clearwater American Legion. Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Rick passed away on September 28, 2026 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill, NE. Condolence may be directed to the family at www.beyersnidermemorialfh.com

Richard L. Wells, 80, of Brunswick, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at Avera Hospital on September 28, 2026, in O'Neill, Nebraska, with his family at his side. Richard was a husband, father, grandfather, and a lifelong farmer who found his greatest joy in the rhythm of the seasons and the love of his family.

Born on December 18, 1945, in Tilden, Nebraska, to Le Vern and Leona Wells, Richard grew up in Brunswick / Neligh. He attended Neligh High School, where he was a dedicated member of the high school wrestling and football teams, even competing at the state level for wrestling. Following his graduation in 1964, he married Sharalyn Rittscher on February 14, 1965. As a young man, he moved to Omaha to raise his family and build a successful career as a home builder. Though he excelled at crafting houses, his heart never truly left the country. Years later, he returned home to Brunswick to answer the call of the land, and bought his own farm and continued to farm alongside his father LeVern side by side for many years. The family farm is located ten miles outside of Neligh.

First and foremost, Richard’s passion was the land. He loved every part of the farming life, from the hope of spring planting to the long, rewarding days of the fall harvest. When he wasn’t in the fields, Richard could be found cheering on Nebraska football, pheasant hunting, throwing a ball to his dogs, or sharing a good story with anyone who would listen. He appreciated the simple things: he held a deep and lifelong affection for the aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews and the cousins he grew up with. He cherished those bonds so much that he was always planning the next family reunion, eager to bring everyone together to share laughter, memories, and love. He treasured his almost daily trips to O'Neill to spend hours at the ranch and peaceful moments at the creek, and, more than occasionally, a good donut.

Above all else, Richard was dedicated to his family. He took immense pride in being the best grandfather he could possibly be, giving them so many incredible adventures and memories for a lifetime. He and his wife, Sharalyn, were extremely proud of their five grandchildren, who were the absolute light of his life.

Richard is survived by his wife, Sharalyn Wells (Rittscher); his daughter, Lori Nebelsick (Michael) of Chicago; his son, Scott Wells (Krista) of Waverly, Nebraska; and his five cherished grandchildren, Luke Nebelsick (Jenna), Zack Nebelsick (Matheu), Drew Wells, Madalyn Wells, and Tyler Wells. He also leaves behind his loyal dog and companion, Joey, as well as many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, sister-in-laws Candice Wells, Judy Rittscher, Shirley Rittscher, and Brenda Helgran (Randy).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Le Vern Wells and Leona Wells (Schwager); his brothers, Jim Wells and Dewayne Schwager (Tess); his sister, Becky Pritchard, his brother-in-law Darrell Pritchard and their son Matt Pritchard; his in-laws, Ernest and Creta Rittscher; and his brothers-in-law, Ron Rittscher, Gale Rittscher, Allan Rittscher (Alice), and Gordon Rittscher.