Richard Leunis Rumbolz, age 83, was born in Lincoln, NE on November 21, 1930, the only child of Charles R. & Alice Marie (Van Es) Rumbolz. Dick graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948 and received his B.A. degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska in 1956. While at the University, he met Marion Deininger and they were married on June 7, 1958.
Dick served in the Army National Guard and worked for the Lincoln Gas Company and the March of Dimes. He also sold insurance and worked in travel sales. However, Dick’s true passion was his lifelong interest in all forms of transportation including railroads, streetcars and buses. He was an active member of both the Lincoln Railfans Club and the Camerail Club of Omaha. He was talented amateur photographer and specialized in photos and history of the Lincoln streetcar and bus systems. Many of his photos appeared in national publications.
Dick is credited with singlehandedly saving and storing the 5000+ Edholm-Blomgren photo collection which provides a priceless record of the history of Lincoln for the second half of the 20th century and which has led to publication of 3 books.
Dick was a past president of the Lincoln Jaycees and a longtime member of the Elks Lodge #80 and St. Paul United Methodist Church. He was creative in his love of history and will be missed by his many friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marion.
Memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2 at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln 68510, with committal and military rites following at Wyuka Cemetery. Rev. David Lux, St. Paul’s Methodist Church will be officiating. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 “M” Street, Lincoln, NE 68508.
Marion, our hearts and prayers are with you! So sorry to hear about Dick. We have wonderful memories of him bringing you to your art events and celebrations, becoming a Lincoln Artists’ Guild member as support, his great stories about the streetcars, and his friendly personality! He truly will be missed by many. Please contact us if we can help you with anything! God bless you, Jesse and Julie Lemons
Marion.
We have lost a friend, historian and an all around nice guy.
My life is richer having known Dick these many years. He was my mentor in Lincoln Jaycees and we spent many hours together discussing trains and trolleys and buses.
I hope his legacy lives on in his many photos.
Peace,
Ira Schreiber
Aurora, CO
Marion,
On behalf of the members of the Great Plains Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society I offer our sympathy for your loss. Dick’s knowledge of railroads, and especially of the Lincoln streetcar system was very special to those of us who shared his interests. We will miss him.
Jim Hanna
President, Great Plains Chapter, NRHS
Columbus, NE
Dick Rumbolz not only captured some truly memorable scenes on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad around the Lincoln area, but had a meticulous photo style that truly captured the beauty of railroad equipment. I live in the Chicago suburbs, have enjoyed pieces of Mr. Rumbolz work for better then 50 years. Am glad to have had the opportunity to learn more about him.