Mr. Richard L. "Dick" Mauch

It would be impossible to write in a few short paragraphs all of the accomplishments, activities, businesses, and charitable work this good man squeezed into 93 years. You could not even list the high points of his life, it would take a book. Those that knew Dick Mauch will agree, if you did not know him perhaps this remembrance will give you a glimpse into a Christian life well-lived. Dick was a rancher, farmer, businessman and manufacturer. He was active right up until his 91st year in most of the hobbies he loved, including fishing, hunting with his dogs, and hosting a who's who of folks at his beloved cabin where he did most of the cooking. Dick was born October 22, 1926 in a house his father built and attended Bassett Grade School. He graduated from Rock County High School in 1944 and attended the US Naval Air Training Center, becoming an AV Radioman 3rd Class. He attended the University of Nebraska, making the Dean's Honor Roll list and was active in his ATO Fraternity. As a child he built model airplanes and later would own and pilot his own plane. He had a lifelong love of flying. Although he lost his father in 1952, he never forgot many of the lessons his father taught him, and Dick would later become a mentor to many young people he encountered along the way. In his lifetime, he was active in a number of organizations, including Bassett Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, Masonic A.F. & A.M. Lodges, having served three times as Past Grand Master of the old Bassett Lodge #254, the American Legion for 73 yrs, and he held dual memberships in the Silver Cord Lodge #224 of Ainsworth and #136 Long Pine Lodge. He met famous bowhunter Fred Bear in 1961. Dick eventually sold his interest in the family business and invested in the Bear Archery Company in 1963. His initial role there was to help Fred Bear with marketing, sales promotion, and Dick wrote their first dealer manual. He later would help with sales in the West and Northwest, his territory consisting of eleven states. Dick helped develop the National Bowhunter Education Program, and also to get the bowhunting record keeping organization, Pope and Young, up and going. He opened Cornhusker Archery which was based in Bassett and manufactured strings for bows. Dick served as President of AMO (Archery Manufacturers Organization), and assisted in developing technical standards for archery manufacturers. On February 27, 1982, Dick eloped with Carol Ann Newmark. Carol was younger than Dick, he always joked that he married her just so he could hunt with her Vizsla hunting dog, Mouton. Together the two enjoyed hunting trips far and near and almost always had Vizsla dogs by their side. Dick and Carol hosted who's who of nationally known archery and hunting personalities at their cabin. Fred Bear, Earl Hoyt, even Rock & Roll legend Ted Nugent are just a few of the personalities that enjoyed spending time with the Mauch's. Known for their hospitality, Dick would often make guests his famous sourdough waffles with the starter he brought back from the famous Little Delta Camp in Alaska. Dick's was one of the few hunting camps where guests often gained weight from all of the great meals. Although he received numerous accolades, awards and recognition in his lifetime, here are a few highlights. Dick held an honorary life membership in the Pope & Young Club, the Nebraska Bowhunter of the Year in 2010, he was inducted into the Nebraska Archery Hall of Fame in 2011, and received the National Archery Hall of Fame and Museum Icon Award in 2016. He was also active in Compton's Traditional Bowhunters, another bowhunting organization close to his heart. Dick was honored to be inducted into the National Archery Hall of Fame and Museum in 2018. It was a crowning achievement for this humble and kind man that had done so much to promote, protect and grow the sport of archery and bowhunting. He was recognized by the archery community for his dedication and promotion of the sport he loved so much. Dick Mauch belonged to the Bassett United Methodist Church. He held a strong Faith in God and loved to share his faith with others. He was also a patriotic man and loved his country. He delighted in educating young people by singing the little known second verse of the National Anthem. He always had time to talk to a youngster and share his wisdom and humor. Rock and Roll legend Ted Nugent has this to say about his late friend Dick, "America is a better place and my life is more rich because of great men like Dick Mauch. Dick embodied how we are created in the image and likeness of God."
Dick loved the poet Edgar Guest, so it would only be fitting to end with this quote from Mr. Guest, "I'd like to be the sort of friend that you have been to me. I'd like to be the help that you've been always glad to be. I'd like to mean as much to you each minute of the day, as you have meant, old friend of mine, to me along the way." Although we say so long to a kind, humble, and great man, we know Dick is finally able to have eternal rest. Writing this obituary was very difficult because you can't describe all the things about this great man in a few paragraphs. He was kind, funny and wise. He was a wonderful host, and the best friend you could have. Although he did not have children of his own, many of us that have known him will carry forward the lessons he taught us. (Written by Frank Addington Jr.)
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Mauch and Lola B. Emry Fegley; his sister, Betty Lou Sawyers and brother-in-law, Gordon Sawyers; and brother, Emry Mauch and sister-in-law, Sally Mauch. Dick is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Mauch of Bassett, NE; along with many nieces, nephews, friends and their children who called him Uncle Dick. Dick Mauch died Sunday, October 13, 2019 at the Rock County Hospital Long Term Care in Bassett at the age of 92 years, eleven months and 21 days.


Memorial Services were held on Monday, October 21, 2019 at the United Methodist Church with Pastors Jenice Epp and Alex Turman officiating at the service. Music was provided by JoAnn Swanson with the congregation signing, “Nearer My God To Thee” and “I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry.” Honorary Urn Bearers were: Dick’s Archery Family. Masonic Rites were conducted by Ainsworth Silver Cord Lodge #224 AF & AM. Military Honors were conducted by Bassett American Legion Post #123. A Whistling Arrow Farewell will be held in the spring of 2020. A private scattering of his ashes will be held at a later date. Memorials were suggested to the National Archery Hall of Fame, the Untied Methodist Church or the donor’s choice. Arrangements were under the direction of the Hoch Funeral Home of Bassett. To leave an online condolence visit www.hochfuneralhome.com .