Louis L. Lichti

A Funeral Service for Louis will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, with Pastor Liz Kocher presiding. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Farmer & Son Funeral Home in Geneva, Nebraska, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with family present from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. There will be a visitation at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Friday, May 22, 2026, 1 hour before the funeral service. Lou's Funeral Service will be livestreamed on St. Andrew's Lutheran Church YouTube Channel. Click the link or copy and paste in your browser for their YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@st.andrewslutheranchurch4911 In Lieu of Flowers - Memorials are to be directed to the family to be decided at a later date. Graveside Services with Military Honors will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Geneva Public Cemetery in Geneva, Nebraska. Louis Loyd Lichti, “Lucky Lou” was born February 20, 1944, and passed away May 16, 2026, at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln. He was born on the family farm near Bruning to Chris and Helen Lichti. He grew up alongside his older sister, Marcia, and younger brother, Max, learning the value of hard work through farm life. After graduating from Bruning Public Schools in 1962, Lou attended Nebraska Vocational Technical School in Milford, Nebraska, from 1962 to 1964. He then proudly joined the United States Marine Corps. In July of 1964, he attended boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, followed by Infantry Training Regiment and additional electrical schooling. Following his service, he opened Lichti’s TV in Bruning with his brother Max. In 1966, they moved the business to Geneva, where he faithfully served the community for many years until 1991. He later continued his career with Platte Valley Communications in York until retiring in 2009. Shortly after opening Lichti’s TV, a young nurse, Rita Urban, from Fillmore County Hospital caught his eye. After two failed attempts of asking her out, she finally agreed to go on a date, which was good because he had a ‘three-strike’ policy. After just three months of courting and a three-month engagement, it proved to be a home-run! They were married 52 years, 3 months, and 2 days. Lou was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his children: Patti Wenz and husband Jamie, sons Nathan and Zach; Audrie Bates and husband Brian, son Ryan, and daughter Carlie Riley, (Paul); Carmen Westfahl and husband Brion, daughters Emily (Hahler) and Elizabeth; and Craig Lichti, all of Lincoln. He was blessed with the joy of becoming a great-grandfather to Kayson Groth and Colsen Riley. He proudly served 25 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Geneva Fire Department, coached youth sports, and was often behind the camera capturing memories on the old VHS camcorder. We have hours of everything to prove it! Lou was always ready to help. Alongside friends and family, he helped work on countless basements, shingled countless roofs, cut down many trees, poured many driveways and patios, leaving behind the signature ‘triangle’ stamped into three circles formed with the bottom of a beer can. To this day, his family still laughs and wonders what inspired him to carpet the basement walls of the home on 13th and F, which became one of Lou’s unforgettable trademarks. He loved the Nebraska Cornhuskers, camping, traveling, and experiencing things with family and friends. He was especially proud of establishing ‘Dog-Run Acres, ’ the family farm campground. “Life is good” was one of his favorite sayings and reflected the way he lived every day. We could go on and on about “Lou-isms”. (Not all are appropriate in this setting!) What do you think for a nickel?....and so forth….Lou never met a stranger. He had a gift for making people feel welcomed and important, whether through a greeting or a one-liner. Lou also had a nickname for anyone and everyone. In 2018, The Legacy at 56th and Pioneers became Lou and Rita’s new home. Lou was referred to as “the Mayor of the Legacy”. Many people agreed, including Lincoln Mayor Lerion Gaylor Baird, who proclaimed February 20th ‘Lou Lichti’ day in the City of Lincoln. He formed many close friendships and continued bringing joy to those around him. In recent weeks, he faced complications from a scheduled surgery. Though he fought hard, his body was unable to recover. Surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in his final moments, Lou left this world the same way he lived: with his family close and connected. He was grateful to share the last few years of his life with his special friend, Connie Huddleson. Together, they enjoyed camping, traveling, and attending activities at The Legacy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Helen Lichti; his beloved wife, Rita; son, Daniel Louis Lichti; and grandson, Tyler James Wenz. Lou built a legacy of love, laughter, resilience, and togetherness that will continue through generations. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Tributes

Louis L. Lichti

February 20, 1944 - May 16, 2026