Rick E. Eberhardt

Memorial services for Rick E. Eberhardt, age 72, of Norfolk, Nebraska will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at First Christian Church in Norfolk. Reverend Tim DeFor will officiate. The service will be followed by a luncheon at Midtown Events Center.

Military honors will be provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1644, American Legion Post 16, and United States Navy Honor Guard.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Home for Funerals in Norfolk is in charge of arrangements.

Rick "OT" Eberhardt passed away July 12, 2026.

Rick was born on April 9, 1954, in Osmond, Nebraska, to Lyle and Viola (Harris) Eberhardt. He was the oldest of four children, he graduated from Norfolk High School in 1972 where he spent his spent his playing football creating a love for the game he carried with him. Following graduation, Rick proudly served his country in the United States Navy, where he was the lead machinist aboard the USS Juneau, and again when he enlisted in the Navy Reserves.

On August 20, 1977, Rick married the love of his life, Verna Albus. Together they built a beautiful life and raised four children. Rick worked for Lindsay Manufacturing while earning a degree at Northeast Community College. After college, he began his career with CenturyLink, where he remained until his retirement. During his later years with the company, Rick earned his bachelor's degree from Wayne State College in Psychology and Political Science, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to learning and personal growth.

Rick shared a lifelong passion for vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles with many friends. Together they traveled the countless miles, creating cherished memories and friendships along the way.

More than anything, Rick loved his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, talking sports, Watching the Huskers, and riding his motorcycle. Rick was truly one in a million, He never turned his back on a friend or stranger in need and possessed the rare gift of turning strangers into lifelong friends. He taught his children to always speak their truth, to stand up for what they believed in, and that family is more than blood—it is love, loyalty, and the people who stand beside you.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Verna Eberhardt; his daughters, Traci Haynes of Sulphur Springs, Arkansas, Crystal and Sadie Eberhardt, both of Norfolk, Nebraska; son-in-law, Milas Haynes of Sulphur Spring, Arkansas, his grandsons, Kurtis, Kolby, Kyler, Carson, Dathan, Logan, and Walker; his granddaughters, Charity, Skye, Kassidy, and Ayriana; his brothers, Rod Eberhardt of Lincoln, Nebraska and Randy Eberhardt of Norfolk, Nebraska; nieces and nephews; and his chosen brothers, Russ Peterson and Dave "Shoey" Schumacher of Norfolk, Nebraska.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his beloved parents, Lyle and Viola Eberhardt; his sister, Vicki; his son, Ty Eberhardt; his aunts, Lucille and Ilene; his uncle, Norris; and his chosen brothers, Don "Toot" Hoffman, Rex Chapman, Robert "Big Bob" Pegdan, Charles and Gregory Wemhoff.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Rick's legacy of love, friendship, loyalty, and kindness will continue to live on.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rick E. Eberhardt, please visit our floral store.