Richard A. Stemm, M. D.
May 4, 1947- January 18, 2026

Colonel (Ret.) Richard Allen Stemm, M.D., passed away on January 18, 2026, with his beloved wife, Kathie, at his side. Richard was never boastful in life, so his family now takes this moment to honor this remarkable man they were blessed to call husband, father, grandfather and brother.

Born on May 4,1947 in Oklahoma City, OK to Robert and Melba (Wallin) Stemm, Richard or “Dick” as he liked to be called grew up in Lincoln and graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School in 1965. He loved sports and excelled at pole vaulting, breaking many state records at the time.

He went on to graduate from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 1974 with a BA in business. He earned his medical degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1982.

Dick will always be remembered as a brilliant mind, a kind soul, and above all a devoted husband, father and friend. Dick was a gifted physician and a talented surgeon, whose compassion and intellect touched countless lives over the more than 25 years he was in practice.

He was also a flight surgeon in the Air Force National Guard in Lincoln for over 23 years where he touched many lives as well. He loved flying the F4 Phantom jet. He received the Air Force Commendation Medal during his service.

In 2002 he married the love of his life Kathie on Valentine's Day in Sun Valley Idaho. They were married for 24 years. Throughout their lives together Dick and Kathie created loving homes in Omaha and on Lake Miltona in Minnesota where they loved having family and friends spend time with them. Dick loved to fish, snow and water ski, and race around the lake on his jet ski with Kathie and with many of his lifelong, dear friends and family. He loved to go fast. He also loved to golf with his close friends at the Oak Hills Country Club and the Omaha Country Club.

Dick will be remembered for his kindness, humility, and love for all his family and friends. He loved his dogs who always took naps with and beside him. Dick leaves a legacy of hard work, generosity, caring and quiet strength. Thank you, Dick. You led by example and we love and adore you. We were happiest with you, and you will remain in our hearts forever.

Dick is survived by his wife, Kathie; children Dr. Richard A. Stemm II (Maddie) of Omaha, NE; Robert A. Stemm (Ali) of Littleton, CO; Stephanie Marie Scott of Ft. Collins, CO; Kaitlin Stemm of Omaha, NE; Thomas L. Scott ( Nicole) of Boxford, MA; Steven D. Scott (Elizabeth) of Omaha, NE; and Shannon Stemm of Omaha, NE. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren; and sisters Dr. Shannon Stemm (Dr. Jeff Meade) of Auburn, NE; and Rhonda Walter (Alex) of Lincoln, NE.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Robert M. Stemm and Melba G. Stemm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Legacy of the Lake Museum, 205 3rd Ave. W., Alexandria, MN 56308 or the local Nebraska chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

FUNERAL SERVICE:  Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 am at Presbyterian Church of the Cross, 1517 S. 114th St., Omaha, NE 68144.  

PRIVATE ENTOMBMENT: Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Lincoln, Nebraska.