Richard Blecha

Richard Blecha, 86, of Salina, died Friday, May 23rd, 2025. He was born June 27, 1938, in Belleville, KS, the son of Ernest and Eleanor (Baxa) Blecha. Richard spent his life serving others whether as a farmer, working in agriculture services like Dauer Implement, and even in the auto and retail industry. Most of all he was a dedicated family man who’s fatherly love was an example of God’s love for His children.

He loved all things John Deere, too, from the largest machines to lawn mowers and in recent years you could find him tinkering in his garage restoring old John Deere mowers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Donna (Hunt) Blecha and his sister Therese.

He is survived by his two daughters Linda Walford and husband Jerry, and Beth Kumm and husband Dan, all of Lincoln, NE; his two sons, Richard J. Blecha and wife Tami, of Farmington, NM, and Jarrod Blecha and wife Wuendy, of Salina; five grandchildren, Danny Kumm and his wife Johanna of Helena, MT, Alex Kumm and his wife Shonda of Lincoln, NE, Lindsey Kortum and Randa Moody, both of Lincoln, NE; Mateo Blecha of Salina; five great-grandchildren, Trevor, Austin, Oliver, and William Kumm and Roen Gore, siblings Marge Schmitz, Cathy Switzer, Marie Chmidling, David Blecha, and Richard’s husky dog, Manchita. 

An informal gathering of friends and family celebrating his life will be at Ryan Mortuary in Salina on Tuesday, May 27th, from 5 pm - 7 pm, for those wishing to stop by to share, laugh and enjoy memories of Richard. 

A memorial mass will be held on Friday, May 30th, at 10:30 a.m., at St. George Catholic Church in Munden, with burial following at Tabor Cemetery, rural Munden. Following the cemetery services, family and friends are invited to the Munden Community Center for a luncheon with the family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jarrod Blecha to help assist with funeral expenses.