Delbert C. Ridder

Delbert Ridder, 86, of Lincoln passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025 at Bryan East in Lincoln.

Memorials can be directed towards St. Patrick's School, St. Henry's Cemetery, or Lincoln Right to Life.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, October 18, at 10 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic church in Lincoln with internment at the St Henry’s Cemetery, rural Howells, at 3 PM Saturday. Visitation will be from 5 PM to 7 PM Friday, October 17 at the church with a 7 PM Vigil Service.

Delbert was born June 13, 1939 to Henry Sr. and Mary (Schlautman) Ridder. He was the youngest of their four children and grew up on the family farm northwest of Howells in the St. Henry’s Catholic parish. Delbert graduated from Howells High School in 1957. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and French from Wayne State College, a Masters degree in History from the University of South Dakota at Vermillion, and a Master of Arts degree in Adult Education from the University of Nebraska. He also had served in the Nebraska National Guard.

Delbert taught school in Iowa and Nebraska. Delbert also worked for Mutual of Omaha, worked with the Job Corp helping individuals obtain their GED’s, and he was employed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. He became a resident at Gramercy Assisted Living in 2024.

Delbert’s deep love for Jesus and his devotion to his Catholic faith guided his life. He was an acolyte for years, a pro-life warrior working to defend vulnerable life, a proud active member of the Knights of Columbus, was coordinator of the “Hail Mary Responds” committee and taught CCD. Delbert delivered Meals-on-Wheels for years, was involved in the Nebraska Republican Party, and enjoyed working for the good of those in need.

In his spare time Delbert enjoyed lengthy one-on-one conversations, watching baseball and Husker sporting events, and playing cards. He loved attending family weddings and gatherings and tried to never miss a Schlautman or Ridder family reunion.

Delbert is survived by his sister-in-law Marjorie Wiese of West Point, nieces and nephews: Raymond (Donna) Bourek, Father David Bourek, Wayne (Carol) Bourek. Doris (John) O’Brien, Virgil (Marian) Bourek, Vernon Bourek, Lois (Jay) Jedlicka, Inez (John) Lund, Diane Hooper, Linda Ritter, and Ron (Mary) Rupprecht. Also survived by numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews and many beloved cousins.

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters and brothers-in-law Anna (Jerry) Bourek, Agnes (Richard) Rupprecht, brother Henry Ridder, Jr., nephew Robert Wiese, nephew-in-law Pat Ritter, great nieces Regina Lund and Jessica (Ritter)Petersen, great nephew Travis Ritter, and great-great nephew Luke Chytka.