Neligh, Nebraska Native and Former Clearwater Public School Multi-Sport Head Coach Ralph J. Tichota, 80, Passes Away After a Courageous Battle with Cancer, Survived by Wife Barb and Daughters
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Clearwater Veterans Park.
September 8, 2026
This article was last updated by Suruchi on September 8, 2026
Ralph J. Tichota, an Army Veteran and former multi-sports coach, passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2026, at the age of 80, leaving his family, friends, and loved ones devastated.
According to his , the death of Ralph J. Tichota came at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on December 21, 1944, to Lambert and Edna (Lehnert) Tichota in Neligh, Nebraska, Ralph began his athletic journey from a very young age.
He played multiple sports in Neligh High School, from which he graduated in 1963.
Ralph Tichota further continued his education, earning a bachelor’s degree in education with an emphasis in P.E., Biology, and driver’s education in 1967, and graduated from Wayne State College.
Similarly, Ralph was drafted into the United States Army in February 1969, attending Fort Ord, California, and Fort Benning, Georgia, before serving a year in Vietnam.
Although Ralph didn’t play professionally, he continued to inspire thousands of athletes as a remarkable coach.
In 1971, Ralph started teaching at Clearwater Public Schools, where he taught Biology, P.E., and Driver’s Education until 2002.
While at Clearwater Public Schools, he also served as head coach for football, wrestling, and track.
Ralph J. Tichota is Survived By his Wife, Barb Tichota, Daughters, and Whole Family
In addition to being an amazing coach, Ralph J. Tichota was also a great husband to his longtime wife, Barb Tichota.
The couple met during their college years and married during Ralph’s last year of college. Similarly, Ralph and Barb proudly raised two daughters, Amy Thompson and Chasda Richart.
In addition to his wife and daughters, Ralph J. Tichota is survived by his son-in-law, Bryce Thompson; grandchildren Seth and Justine Thompson, and Shalene and Colby Richart; sister and brothers-in-law, Gloria (Larry) Pochop of Albion, and Jan Tichota of Omaha, NE; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
His family has organized a funeral and memorial service for the late Ralph J. Tichota on Wednesday, September 10, 2026, at Clearwater American Legion in Clearwater with Melanie Miller officiating.
Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Neligh, Nebraska, with Military rites by Neligh American Legion Post #172 and VFW #5287.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 9, 2026, at Clearwater American Legion in Clearwater at Snider Memorial Funeral Home.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Ralph Tichota is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brother, sister, and brother-in-law.
- He was a member of Clearwater Legion Post #267 and Neligh VFW #5287.
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Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.
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