Richard L. Hultgren, 63, passed away on June 12, 2026, in Minneapolis, Kansas. Born on May 17, 1963, in Minden, Nebraska, the son of Glen and Linda (Beahm) Hultgren. His early years were spent in Upland and Indianola, Nebraska, before his family settled in Prairie View, Kansas, when he was ten years old.

Richard graduated from Logan High School in Logan, Kansas, in 1981. Following graduation, he pursued mechanics at Goodland Area Vocational Technical School, earning a degree in Automotive Technology in 1982. His career began during his high school years when he worked at various establishments around the Prairie View area. After completing his vocational training, Richard joined Mattison Motors in Phillipsburg as a mechanic. He later transitioned to Kyle Railroad, where he worked in both Phillipsburg and Concordia. Starting as a painter of railroad cars, Richard advanced to become a certified railroad carman and welder. His roles included working on derailment crews and performing shop duties at both locations.

Richard was known for his generosity and good spirit. His boisterous laugh brought joy to those around him. A long-time member of the Prairie View Christian Reformed Church in Prairie View, Kansas, Richard’s faith was an integral part of his life.

In his leisure time earlier in life, Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams, the Chiefs, Royals, Cornhuskers football and Jayhawks basketball. He also took great pride in working on his Ford pickup trucks, a hobby that reflected his mechanical interest and love for hands-on projects. His pride and joy for many years washis 1995 Ford F-150 XLT pick-up purchased brand new and nicknamed "Blue Thunder".

Richard is survived by his brother Scott Hultgren and wife Holly of Rapid City, South Dakota; his sister Cynthia Hammitt and husband Kirk of Logan, Iowa; and his nieces and nephews Haley (Nate) Thannum, Megan (Cody) Mertens, Grant Hultgren, Lonnie (Melissa) Larson, and Jade Larson. He also leaves behind numerous aunts and uncles, cousins and eight grandnieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Glen and Linda Hultgren and his older sister Laurie Hultgren.

Throughout his life, Richard lived in several communities across Kansas—Phillipsburg, Concordia, Prairie View, Logan—and most recently Minneapolis. Richard was a resident at the Minneapolis Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center since 2019.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday June 17, 2026, at Hugunin Family Funeral Home 1115 2nd Street in Phillipsburg. Burial to follow in Upland, NE cemetery at 12:00 PM. Visitation will take place from 5 to 7 pm on Tuesday June 16, 2026, at the Hugunin FamilyFuneral Home.

Memorial contributions can be made to Prairie View Christian Reformed Church.