Ricky Lynn Kuder, 57, of Osawatomie, Kansas died June 7th 2014 at his home, after a long battle with cancer. Below is written by Ricky himself:

My name is Rick Kuder. I am the last of 4 children, born to Jerry Charles-Keith Kuder and Bessie Maud (Judd) Kuder on September 9th, 1956 in Fort Madison Iowa. I grew up and attended K through 12th in Osawatomie, Kansas. I graduated in 1975 from OHS. June 1976.

I enlisted into the U.S. Army. I was stationed in Wiesbaden Germany, Fort Riley Kansas, Berlin Germany behind the iron curtain, I was also stationed at Ft. Lewis Washington. In Korea I was a 94B10 Food Service Specialist.

During my time of service I became the father of 3 wonderful kids. 2 boys and 1 girl, Ricky L. Kuder Jr., Jason Kenneth Kuder and Nanetta (Eva) Hazel Kuder.

After ending my military career in 1986 I came back home to Osawatomie, KS where I received my Certified Nurse’s Aide certificate from Johnson County area Vocational Technical School. In 1993.

I went to work at Medicalodge of Paola, Kansas where I received my activity director and social service designee from Allen County Community College. I also worked as a workshop supervisor for several years. Later I earned my National License as a 911 Emergency Dispatcher. In 1994 I was working full-time for Medicalodge, soon after, I began work at Osawatomie State Hospital. There I became a Mental Health Aide and after 2.5 years I transferred to Safety and Security. In March 2009.

I went in for gallbladder surgery, but they discovered I had gallbladder cancer. The cancer quickly spread to my liver. I was sent to Topeka for liver resection, then to chemo and radiation at Olathe Medical Centers.

In January of that same year through friends, I met my wife Jeanell and right of the bat we had a lot to deal with. She could have stopped and ran but she didn't. She stayed with me and helped me pull through all my troubles. If that's not love I don't know what is! Jeanell is the love of my life, she is everything to me. On September 18, 2008 we were married and I became stepfather to 6 great kids; Michael Luckey, Justin Luckey, Matthew Luckey, Breaunna (Luckey) Judy, Cheyenne Luckey and Tyler Luckey. We also have 15 grandchildren between us. Just when we thought the worse was behind us, January 2011 two months short of 3 years cancer free, we found there was again 2 spots on my liver.

Rick went to Chicago to the Cancer Treatment Center. He was flown there by pilots from the Angel Wing Foundation. Angel Flight Central, a non-profit organization based in Kansas City, MO, was honored and privileged to provide 74 free flights for Rick to receive his medical care in Chicago the last three years.

He is survived by his wife Jeanell Luckey-Kuder of the home, 3 children, son Ricky Kuder Jr. of Mehoopany, PA, son Jason Kuder of Mont Vernon, OH and daughter Nanetta (Eva) Kuder of Mont Vernon, OH, 6 step children; Michael Luckey of Paola, KS, Justin Luckey of Gardner, Mathew Luckey of Osawatomie, Breaunna (Luckey) Judy of Pittsburg KS, Cheyenne Luckey of Olathe and Tyler Luckey of the home. 15 grandchildren and step grandchildren. brother Kenneth (Martha) Kuder of Paola, brother Dennis (Sue) Kuder of Norman, OK and sister Geraldine White of Osawatomie, KS. Along with many other family and friends.

Visitation was Tuesday June 17th from 5-7 pm and Service followed at 7 pm at the Eddy- Birchard Funeral Home, Osawatomie, Kansas.