Richard “Rick” Laswell, Jr.  peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Thursday, December 1, 2022.  He was born to LaVerne and Dick Laswell on September 8, 1953 in Kansas City, MO. Rick experienced a courageous, humble, long, battle with ALS.  Rick was a man with never ending faith, and he was not afraid to meet his maker.   Rick never faltered as he knew his was a “win-win” battle.

Rick is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sue (Magnuson) Laswell; his 3 children Heather Harkrider-Pennington, Jeanie Laswell and Matthew Worell;  step-children Jennifer Jarrett and Phillip Jarrett; numerous grandchildren, one step-grandson Max Becker; siblings Connie Roberson, Carol Lindsay, Linda Eldreth, brother Tom Laswell; several nieces and nephews and his 3 kitties.  Rich was preceded in death by his parents, LaVerne Smith and Richard “Dick” Laswell, Sr.

Rick graduated from Oak Park High School, Kansas City, MO in 1971.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army and graduated from the National College of Business, Kansas City, MO in 1978. His platoon’s motto was, “No job too difficult; no sacrifice too great.” Rick served in the honor guard for President Harry Truman’s funeral.  He was a successful small business owner of Laswell Painting Company, LLC  for several decades.  In  approximately 2000 he changed careers when he began working for NuVox Communications.  He thrived in telecommunications sales and Rick enjoyed a fulfilling, rewarding, challenging career with Charter Spectrum.  He retired from AT&T after being diagnosed with ALS in 2019.

Rick was known for his positive attitude, quick wit, outstanding work ethic, discipline, integrity, creativeness, sense of humor and especially his “Rickisms”.  During his life he enjoyed music, traveling, landscaping and cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs and Nebraska Huskers football teams.  He made several trips to his favorite vacation spot, St. John, USVI.  His kitties held a special place in his heart.  More importantly, Rick loved God and he sought to serve and honor Him in many ways including running the sound booth in his church(es).

Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Elevate Church, 8251 Pioneers Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68506 with Pastors Mike Wooten (Lincoln) and Tom Manz (Blue Springs,  MO) officiating. The church service will be livestreamed on the Elevate Church Facebook page.  Click HERE to watch.  Interment with military honors will be held privately at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 12, 2022 at Wyuka Cemetery, Lincoln, NE.

Memorial gifts may be directed to ALS in the Heartland, 1320 South 119th Street, Omaha, NE 68144.

Well done, good and faithful servant.   Geez Lepete, he will be missed.