Richard T. 'Dick' O'Hanlon

Nov. 22, 1942-June 1, 2011

LEXINGTON, Nebraska -- Richard T. "Dick" O'Hanlon, 68, died Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.

Dick was born Nov. 22, 1942, in Blair, Nebraska to Robert E. and Rita (Foley) O'Hanlon. The family later moved to the Chicago area where Dick graduated from Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Illinois in 1960. Upon graduation from high school, Dick attended radio school at Brown Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Dick proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves from Feb. 7, 1965 to Jan. 5, 1971. Dick's first radio gig was at KRIB in Mason City, Iowa, doing dances for rock 'n roll performers.

He moved to McCook, Nebraska and went to work for KBRL Radio station where he had his own program, "It's an O'Hanlon get-together." McCook is where he met the love of his life, Zelda McNerny. The couple was married on Nov. 25, 1967, in McCook. The couple moved to Lexington in 1970.

Dick started at KRVN Radio station on Oct. 19, 1970 and retired in 2005. He was a salesman and eventually sales manager. Even as sales manager, he still had his sales territory. After retirement, he continued to voice commercials for his favorite clients. In the early years, he was also an announcer. He was the evening announcer on the first day that KRVN switched to 880. Dick voiced commercials along with the Nebraska Water Users and Ward Laboratories Quality Questions programs.

Always active, Dick was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church, American Legion, where he served as past Commander, on the Board of Dawson County Historical Society, the Lakeside Country Club, and the Elk's and Eagles Clubs.

To say Dick was a people person is an understatement. He loved to golf, play cards, play his guitar, sing and tell jokes and stories. He was also the president of the Wednesday Night Investment Club. Dick would say at his own demise, "well, isn't this just swell." Rest in peace, dear friend.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Zelda O'Hanlon of Lexington; five brothers, Robert E. and Mimi O'Hanlon of Willowbrook, Illinois, Dan and Kathy O'Hanlon of Huntington, West Virginia, Bill O'Hanlon and companion, Helen of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Terry and Kelly O'Hanlon of Fort Myers, Florida, and Paul and Jane O'Hanlon of Leawood, Kansas; two sisters, Maureen and Kelly Krentsa of Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and Suzanne O'Hanlon of Cary, North Carolina; and his stepmother, Janet O'Hanlon of Blair, Nebraska. Dick is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and two special friends, Gordon Bennett and David Crawford.

Mass of Christian burial is Tuesday, June 7, 2011, at 2 p.m., at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington with the Rev. Paul Colling officiating.

Visitation is Monday, June 6, 2011, from 2-4 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with Wake Service to follow at 6 p.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington.

Burial is Wednesday, June 8, 2011, at 2 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery at Blair, Nebraska with military honors.

Memorials are suggested to the Lexington Rescue Unit or the YMCA Building Fund.

Please direct online condolences to the family through reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements.