Richard Stava

Richard James Stava was born in 1931 and left this world in 2018. In the years between, he lived a life that exemplified honesty, hard work, and quiet decency.

Most people knew him as Dr. Jim, the veterinarian. But those who knew and loved him best thought of him as a builder.

As a young man he built a stronger country by serving, boots on the ground, on the battlefield in Korea. Afterwards he returned to his hometown and married his beloved, Kittie. Together they built a family, welcoming and nurturing Mike, Susan, Lisa and Vic.

With strong hands and a stronger work ethic, he built a veterinary practice from the ground up. His professional legacy is a thriving practice that continues to this day. He helped to build a better community by serving for many years on the school board and in leadership positions for his church. He was a generous benefactor to community causes.

After he retired, he built houses for Habitat for Humanity. In later years he lovingly built jewelry boxes for his daughters and furniture for his grandchildren.

But the most important things he built can never be seen or touched. He built a stable and loving home for his family. He built character in his children. He built a better world through his actions, leading by example. He built a life of integrity.

Luke 6:4. He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against the house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.

A memorial has been established for Habitat for Humanity or the Morse Memorial Methodist Church and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain-Pier Funeral home, PO Box 366, Gordon, NE 69343.

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