Richard Francis "Dick" Householder at 102, ended his earthly life on January 27, 2012 to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Dick was born Oct. 8, 1909 in Chariton, Iowa to Wiley M. and Sadie Belle (Andrew) Householder. After graduating from Chariton High School and Chariton Junior College, he moved to Alliance, Nebraska in Sept. 1932, where he worked with his uncle, Chet Bradbury at the Keep-U-Neat Cleaners. In 1946 he began a direct selling career, carrying men's and women's clothing lines for Minnesota Woolen Mills, Logan Cache Knitting Mills, 20th Century Sports Wear, and Seibler Tailoring Co. He retired from direct selling in 1978. He then purchased and operated Alliance Laundromat for a number of years, during which he added state of the art dry cleaning equipment. He also maintained and cared for several rental properties in Alliance, retiring from this activity after his 90th birthday.
He met his bride of 65 years, Margaret Ann Hunter, in 1936, at a dance in Hemingford. They were married at the Hunter ranch north of Hemingford February 14, 1938. They were blessed with two sons, Richard II and Dale.
The First United Methodist Church of Alliance was Dick's church home for the entire time he lived in Alliance, and he served several terms on the Board of Trustees as well as teaching an adult Sunday School class. He became an associate member of Plymouth Congregational Church in Scottsbluff.
Dick was raised into the Masonic Temple in the Alliance Lodge on April 25, 1946 becoming a 32ΒΊ Mason. He was a member of the Scottish Rite, where he was honored with KCCH. He was a member and past President of the Cattle Capital Shrine Club.
Dick was often seen on his daily walks to maintain his good health after triple by-pass surgery in 1989. He lead Bible studies at Heritage Health Care, was Sunday School leader, and was always assisting the elderly with errands, transportation and anything else he could to help.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harold "Doc" Householder and Robert "Bob" Householder, and in 2003 by his wife, Margaret.
He is survived by his sons and their wives: Richard and Sheilagh of Windsor. Ontario, and Dale and Susan of Minatare; grandchildren Robert and wife Heather of Dorchester, Ontario, Doug and wife Jacqueline of Toronto, Ontario and Amanda and husband Terry Schaub of Minatare; and great grandchildren Corbin DeWitt, Jack Householder and Clint Householder, Austin Schaub and Parys Schaub.
Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church, Plymouth Congregational Church or charity of donor's choice.
A memorial services will be Monday, January 30 at 10:00 a.m. at Plymouth Congregational Church in Scottsbluff with Pastor Rod Wetzig will officiating.
Funeral services will be Monday, January 30 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Alliance with burial in the Hemingford Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 1-6 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com
