Richard Tenoper

Hastings resident, Richard Tenoper, 86, of 1223 N. Webster, died Friday, December 3, 2004 at Mary Lanning Hospital.

Memorial service will be Thursday, December 9, 2004; 10:00 A.M. at Butler-Volland Chapel with Rev. Dr. Lee Wigert officiating. Burial with military rites will be Thursday, December 9, 2004; 2:00 P.M. in Spring Creek Cemetery, Ruskin, Nebraska with Rev. Paul Albrecht officiating.

Mr. Tenoper was born in Nuckolls County, near Oak, Nebraska on February 14, 1918 to James J. & Emma (Svec) Tenoper. He attended rural school in Nuckolls County to the 8th grade. He then helped his father on the family farm. He learned his love for airplanes and flying at an early age, where a neighbor bought an airplane and he and his brothers took rides in it. He served as a Master Sargent in the United States Air Force during WWII, going to Chaute Field at Champaign, Illinois. While in the service, he learned to be an airplane mechanic. After his discharge, he joined his brother, Emil Tenoper, an aircraft licensed mechanic who owned an aircraft mechanic shop at the P.T. Air Service in Hayes, Kansas. In 1945, they moved from Hays, Kansas to Hastings, Nebraska and worked at the Hueske Airport, west of Hastings to keep small aircraft flying. In 1960, they moved to the Municipal Airport in Hastings and started the Hastings Aero Repair business until Emil retired in 1977 and Dick retired in 1981 as the chief mechanic. In 1946 Mr. Tenoper received his pilot license and his Aircraft & Engine license in 1962. He enjoyed his work with the public and repairing all types of aircrafts. He retired in 1984 and made his home with Emil & LaVerna Tenoper. Richard 'Dick' was a most caring, helpful person to all who knew him. He cared for his aging parents, his sister-in-law, Mary Ann when she became widowed, then sister-in-law, LaVerna for the past 10 years. He will be greatly missed by the loved ones and friends.

Mr. Tenoper was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Emil & Lewis Tenoper and a sister-in-law, Mary Anne Tenoper.

Survivors include,
Sister-in-law: LaVerna Tenoper - Hastings, NE
Cousins

Memorial may be given to American Heart Association

No visitation or viewing.