Rick Lea Beu, 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Gardenside in Fairbury, surrounded by his family-just ten weeks after his cancer diagnosis on January 23, 2026.

Rick was born March 26, 1948, in Fairbury, Nebraska, to Wilbur and Doris "Corky" (Bockelman) Beu. Except for a few brief periods, Fairbury was home to Rick throughout his Life. He was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Gilead by Rev. Martin Hoffman on April 18, 1948, and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairbury by Rev. M. Matuschka on June 10, 1962. A proud graduate of Fairbury High School, Class of 1966, Rick also attended Fairbury Junior College. His strong work ethic began early, starting with a newspaper route and continuing through roles in construction, the Rock Island Railroad, Nebraska Department of Roads, and land surveying. His true professional passion, however, was bricklaying—a trade he worked in for many years. Rick spent countless miles commuting daily to Lincoln, helping build schools, banks, and other major projects across Nebraska.

On December 6, 1975, Rick married the love of his life, Jan Folkers. Together, they made Fairbury their lifelong home and were blessed with their daughter, Tatum.

Rick and Jan spent many cherished weekends at Milford Lake camping, fishing, and boating with dear friends. Rick was also an avid bow hunter who enjoyed many seasons hunting deer and turkey throughout Jefferson County.

A man of routine and camaraderie, Rick could often be found at the Burkley Wellness Center each day at 1:00 sharp, followed by visits to the car lot to catch up with Kent, Dave, cousin Bart, Doug, and George. Evenings often found him in his backyard with a cold drink, sharing laughs and stories with Scott, neighbors Brian, Sandie and Owen, and anyone else who stopped by. Rick enjoyed spending time with Mike and the rides they took with one of the last being going down to the lake again.

Rick was preceded in death by his wife, Jan (Folkers) Beu, parents, Wilbur and Doris "Corky" Beu; maternal grandparents William and Ella Bockelman; paternal grandparents Adolph and Hattie Beu; father-in-law Noel "Buster" Folkers; mother-in-law Opal Folkers; brother-in-law Randy Folkers; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his daughter, Tatum Beu; sister, Sharyl (Kent) Preston; sister-in-law, Renae Folkers; along with aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many treasured friends.

Rick will be deeply missed and forever held close in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, April 8 at 1:30 pm at Fairbury Cemetery. Public viewing will be Tuesday afternoon from 1:00-4:00 pm at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home.

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