Education and the Register Home
Education was a primary focus in the home. John and Norma’s children have acquired ten college and graduate degrees. Three of Richard’s sisters—Ruth, Kathy and Leann—are public school teachers whose combined service now exceeds 70 years.
Richard began school at Clarmar Elementary School across the street from their home at 19th and Pearl. He continued through the Fremont Public Schools and graduated in 1978. He was not athletically inclined and focused on academics. In high school, Richard and classmate Dennis Caauwe shared an enthusiasm for photography and won honors for their work.
While still in high school, Richard also began to take college classes at Midland Lutheran College. By the time he graduated from high school, Richard was nearly done with his freshman year of college.
Richard transferred to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in the fall of 1978. He took a semester to intern in Washington, D.C. for the Department of Justice, Law Enforcement Administration, Office of Justice Research. Richard returned to UNL and received his bachelor’s degree in 1980, with double majors in Political Science and Philosophy.
In 1981, Richard began law school at Creighton in Omaha. During these years he interned for the City Prosecutor’s Office and clerked for Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company. While working at Mutual, Richard met a young attorney named Janet, who a year later would become his bride.
For Richard, education is a continuing journey. He has for more than 20 years served as an adjunct faculty member for Metropolitan Community College, where he still teaches business law.
