Richard Rynaski

Richard J. Rynaski was called home to be with his Loving Creator on February 26, 2022. “Rich,” (as he was known to family and friends,) was born on August 11, 1936, in Omaha, Nebraska to Isabel and Joseph Rynaski. Rich had two sisters Kathleen and Lorraine. Rich hailed his heritage as being 100% Polish.

Rich was a talented athlete but also thrived academically, especially in mathematics. Attending Creighton Prep Jesuit HS (Omaha) Rich was a star on the varsity football team earning All-City and All State honors. While playing the position of offensive lineman, he acquired the nickname RHINO. This nickname suited him well because he was a big guy and an imposing force that running backs and quarterbacks could duck in behind him and slip through the defensive line, running for yardage and racking up touchdowns. He was a big guy yes, with an even bigger heart.

In college, he attended Marquette University on academic and athletic scholarships and was eventually recruited to University of Nebraska to play for the Cornhuskers in Lincoln on scholarships there, as well.

Rich proudly served in the Army during the Korean Conflict and upon being honorably discharged, returned to Omaha and began working for his uncles at the Omaha Cash Register company. This was in the days when cash registers were enormous mechanical machines constructed of innumerable brass parts, keys and metal springs and weighed up to 75 lbs. He lifted them with ease.

He eventually became Vice-President and Co-owner of Data Systems Inc. (formerly Omaha Cash Register company.) Mindful of the early advancements in technology and barcode scanning capabilities, Rich moved the company forward to the modern, more streamlined “cash registers” that were computerized; like a calculator versus a clunky 10-key adding machine.

Rich was introduced to, dated, and married Jeri (Mainelli) in 1961 and together they had 9 children. Jeri sadly passed away in 1995. Becoming more committed to his business, Rich’s company was expanding to the Denver area. On his trips Rich would always include some time catching up with his wife Jeri’s childhood friend, Mary Helen Tierney. Mary was living in the Denver area and enjoying a successful career as a Realtor. Rich and Mary shared a common history, both having been born and raised in Omaha, they enjoyed reminiscing about their multitude of mutual friends and experiences. Mary was godparent to two of Rich and Jeri’s children. Ironically, it was Mary who had introduced Rich to her friend Jeri and set them up on their very first date…the rest, as they say, is history.

Through their shared experience and deepened bond, Rich and Mary were married in the Catholic church in 2000. Rich retired from his successful company and relocated to the Denver area where he and Mary have lived ever since.

During college football season their Nebraska Cornhusker loyalty was in full color (Red of course!) as they gathered with local Coloradoans for Nebraska at Noonan’s Grill, to cheer on their team (win or lose.)

Rich was a devoted Catholic for his entire life and a 3rd degree Member of the Knights of Columbus. He always claimed that his faith and Mary, his devoted wife, helped him through many of the health challenges that he faced over the years.

It was just his time to have God bring him home. We will miss him dearly!

Rich is survived by spouse of 22 years, Mary Helen Tierney, her children Jane Lemmers and Michael (Molly) Lemmers. Rich is also survived by his children, Sheila, Mary Jo, David, Joan, Jim, Theresa, Michelle (David Platzer), Joseph (Funmi) and Todd (Kelly). Rich is survived by his sister; Lorraine Kathol (Sutton, Nebraska)

He will be missed by his grandchildren, Alec, Nate, Grace, Noah and Lilly as well as Caroline and Daniel Lemmers. Special nieces, Margaret Power, Sarah Power, Katie Power and his Goddaughter, Maggie Power as well as many more nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife; Jeri (Mainelli) Rynaski, his sister Kathleen Caldwell and her husband Jack. His brother-in-law, Victor Kathol, as well as his parents Joseph and Isabell Rynaski; also his brother Ronald Rynaski, who died tragically in early infancy.

A funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 18th at 10 am at Risen Christ Church 3060 S. Monaco Parkway, Denver 80222.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a memorial donation in his name to: Creighton Prep High School in Omaha, Nebraska at https://www.creightonprep.org/support-prep/give-now or a memorial donation to the Denver MaxFund no kill animal shelter at https://maxfund.org/Donation-Page.