Richard Tingelhoff

Richard “Dick” Tingelhoff, 83, of Wahoo, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, in Lincoln, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease, surrounded by his family who loved him dearly.

Born on February 22, 1942, in West Point and united in marriage to Mary Ann Wisnieski on December 29, 1965. Dick dedicated his life to shaping young students and athletes and building strong communities through teaching and coaching. Over the course of a remarkable 36-year coaching career, he left an enduring legacy across Nebraska.

Dick began his coaching journey in 1966 in Oconto before moving to Scribner, where he led teams for the next decade. In 1977, he took the helm at Wahoo High School, where he would remain for the next 25 years until his retirement in 2002. His impact on the Wahoo football program was profound, guiding numerous teams to state playoff appearances, and establishing a tradition of excellence that spanned decades.

With a career record of 205-127, Dick reached several notable milestones. He led his team to a state championship in 1974 and finished as runner-up in 1975. From 1986 through 1993, his Wahoo teams made eight consecutive playoff appearances, a testament to his leadership and consistency. His achievements earned him widespread recognition. He coached in the prestigious Shrine Bowl, was named Fremont Tribune Coach of the Year, and was a Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame Silver Anniversary Football Team inductee. He also received the Skip Palrang Award in 2012 for his significant contributions to high school football in Nebraska.

Beyond wins and accolades, Dick was known for his unwavering commitment to student-athletes and his ability to inspire those around him. His influence extended far beyond the field as he helped shape generations of young people with discipline, integrity, and heart. Ultimately, the most important things to Dick were his family and the students and athletes he mentored. Even in his final days, he could be seen with the biggest smiles when he had the opportunity to see and talk with those he loved and cared about.

Dick is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ann of Wahoo; his children – Scott (Mary) Tingelhoff of Wahoo and Tami (Jeff) Rose of Overland Park, Kansas; his grandchildren – Tylie Tingelhoff, Kinsley (Mark) Thurston, Caden Tingelhoff, Nathan Larsen, Breanna Rose, and Kameron James-Rose; and his brothers – Robert (Cherie), James (Debbie), and Tom (Mary).

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine Guetter Tingelhoff and George Tingelhoff; his brother, George Tingelhoff, Jr.; his sisters – Jeannie Farmer and Karen (Doug) Brabston; and his grandson, Zachary Larsen.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 5:30 – 8:00 PM, on Friday, December 26, 2025, at the Hilltop Country Club in Wahoo. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the St. James Catholic Church in Mead. The family will be available to greet friends and relatives at the church at 9:30 AM before the funeral begins. Interment will be held privately at a later date.

Dick Tingelhoff’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched both on and off the field. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Dick’s memory to the family for later designation.