Joe Rico, age 93 of Nebraska City passed away on Saturday morning; November 19, 2022 at the Holmes Lake Rehab and Care Center in Lincoln, NE.

Ruben Joe Rico was born on August 29, 1929 in Nebraska City, NE; the son of Brauilo and Goldie M. (Spidell) Rico. He attended school in Nebraska City.

On April 14, 1948, he was united in marriage to Lyla Lorraine DeVorss and to this union four children were born: Bruce, Sondra, Connie and Kristy.

Joe entered the U.S. Army in 1947 and honorably and faithfully served his country for 28 years. Joe was a Vietnam Veteran. He received many medals during his service, including the Vietnam Campaign and Service Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm, the Army Good Conduct Medal and the Army Expert Rifle Badge. While in the Army, he served at various places both stateside and overseas. His last duty assignment was at Ft. Bliss, TX and he retired from there. Joe was a member of American Legion Post #8 where he served in various capacities including Commander, the V.F.W., American Legion Color Guard and was a founding member of the Otoe County Veterans Van; where he continued to drive veterans to their various appointments until he was 90 years old. He attended almost all Nebraska home games until age 91 and was a die hard Nebraska fan!

He is survived by his children: Bruce Rico (Dianne) of Lincoln, NE, Sondra Sellers (Walt) of Nebr. City, Connie Lamkins of Nebr. City and Kristy Edwards (Pat) of Hamburg, IA; 9 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren; three brothers: Francis Rico of Lincoln, NE, Eddie Rico of Omaha, NE and Sam Rico (Mary) of Omaha, NE; numerous nieces and nephews, other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lorraine on January 11, 2016, siblings: Roy, Lillian, Danny, Loretta and David, his son-in-law David Lamkins as well as his parents.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday (11/23) at 2:00 p.m. at Gude Mortuary in Nebraska City; burial will follow in the Wyuka Cemetery with complete military honors conducted by the Nebr. Army National Guard Funeral Honors Detail and the Talmage American Legion Post.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City.

Memorials may be given to the Memorial Building Renovation in Nebr. City.

Remembrances may be left at www.gudefuneralhomes.com.

Gude Mortuary in charge of funeral arrangements.