Ralph L. Givens

(photo)

Ralph L. Givens, 78, of Fort Calhoun died June 18, 2026, in Omaha.

He was born Dec. 14, 1947, in Omaha.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Nina Knoblauch; brothers Don Kriegler and John Givens; and sister Shirley (Ben) Oliver.

Survivors include his wife, Sandy Givens of Fort Calhoun; daughters Dawn (Chuck) Bradburn and Tracy (Rick) Baxter, both of Fort Calhoun; grandchildren Trae (Allie) Bradburn, Cole Bradburn, Kennedy Bradburn, Bailey (Robbie) Wegner and Courtney Baxter; great-granddaughter Maizie Kay Bradburn; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 22, at Fort Calhoun Presbyterian Church.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, at the church.

Burial will be in Fort Calhoun Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Fort Calhoun Fire & Rescue.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sievers-Sprick Funeral Home of Fort Calhoun.

#2 Funeral leaflet

(photos)

Ralph was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on December 14, 1947. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Fort Calhoun, a community he would proudly call home for the rest of his life. He graduated from Fort Calhoun High School and soon began working on the railroad.

In 1968, Ralph met Sandy, the love of his life. The two were married in October 1968 and built a life together filled with hard work, laughter, family, and lasting friendships. After being laid off from the railroad, a turn of events that Ralph liked to joke came at a convenient time for duck hunting--he found a new path. Following the passing of his mother, Ralph and his younger brother, John, inherited the Longhorn Bar. Ralph and Sandy eventually purchased the business and made it their own, creating a gathering place where friends became family over cold beer, hot wings, and countless nights of laughter and stories.

Ralph and Sandy were blessed with two daughters, Dawn and Tracy, who later married Chuck and Rick. Together, their family grew to include five grandchildren--Bailey (Robbie), Trae (Allie), Cole, Courtney, and Kennedy--and one cherished great-granddaughter, Maizie Kay. Nothing brought Ralph more joy than spending time with his family and watching them grow.

Ralph enjoyed watching sports, fishing, playing cards, following the horse races, and sharing an ice-cold beer with friends.

He had a loving heart, a quick wit, and an ornery spirit that kept everyone on their toes. Those who knew him could tell endless stories about the laughs they shared and the memories he helped create. His kindness, humor, and presence left a lasting mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ralph passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

In Loving Memory of Ralph L. Givens

Born December 14, 1947 Omaha, Nebraska ~ Died June 18, 2026 Omaha, Nebraska

Visitation 5-7pm Monday, June 22, 2026 Fort Calhoun Presbyterian Church. Funeral Service 11:30am Tuesday, June 23, 2026 Fort Calhoun Presbyterian Church. Officiant: Rev. Becky Balestri. Music: "A River Flows in You", "Dads Don't Die", "When I Get Where I'm Going", "Go Rest High on that Mountain", "I Love This Bar"

Pallbearers: Bailey Wegner, Cole Bradburn, Kennedy Bradburn, Trae Bradburn, Courtney Baxter, Allie Bradburn, Robbie Wegner

Honorary Pallbearers: Bill Adams, John Christensen, Brad French, Dave Ishii, Mike Nelson, Dave Ringler, Willie Welchert

Interment: Fort Calhoun Cemetery

~~~Obituary and funeral leaflet courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings and leaflets on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska~~~

FindaGrave 301374584