Richard Lee Els

Nov. 27, 1949-Oct. 28, 2006

BENKELMAN -- Richard Lee Els, 56, died Saturday (Oct. 28, 2006) at Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colo.

He was born Nov. 27, 1949, at Wray, Colo., to Byron and Leah (Richard) and was baptized in the Presbyterian Church. He attended grade school at Dist. No. 52, and later attended high school in Benkelman where he was a member of the graduating class of 1968.  He also took two years of auto mechanics at Goodland, Kan.

He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1972 at Fort Leonardwood, Mo., and Fort Sill in Oklahoma before receiving his honorable discharge.

On June 25, 2970, he married Cindy Miller at Benkelman. He worked several years as an auto mechanic in Benkelman before he realized farming was his true calling.  He worked for his dad for several years then gradually took over operation of the family farm..

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis, who also died of leukemia; his grandparents, Aubrey and Myrtle (Pena) Richard, and Carl and Alice (Steiner) Els; uncles, Henry Els, Delbert Els, Glen Richard, and John Mosser; aunts, Annie Mosser, Junice Richard, Ardis Richard, Sophia Krautsheun; and cousin, Jack Els.

Survivors include his wife, Cindy Els of Benkelman; two sons, David Els of Abeline, Kan., Brian Els and wife, Margie of Benkelman; a daughter, April Bullard and husband, Jason of Wray, Colo.; parents, Byron and Leah Els of Benkelman; a sister, Judy Lutz and husband, Joe of Benkelman; and six grandchildren.

A memorial service will be Friday, 1:30 p.m., at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with Rev. Kevin Fink and Marcine Farmer, PMA officiating.  Services will conclude at the chapel.  A private inurnment will take place at a later time.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.