If you lived in Scribner, Nebraska, or a surrounding town in the late 1950s and early 1960s, you probably heard about the 11 Dostal children. Your kids may have been on an opposing basketball or football team, or you may have read about the Dostals’ success in the newspaper. The Dostal family was outstanding on the court and in the classroom. 
Richard’s achievements in high school led him to a successful football career at Norfolk Junior College and Kearney State. His success didn’t stop on the field, though. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in teaching and administration.
After graduating from Kearney State, Richard and his high school sweetheart, Kathy, moved all across Nebraska for his teaching career. They began in Omaha for their first few years of marriage, then on to Plattsmouth, Wolbach, back to Kearney where they started their family, Brainard, Beatrice, then retired and settled down in Courtland. They loved moving from town to town over the years, becoming a part of each new community. When Richard wasn’t in the classroom, he influenced his students as a coach or volunteered at track meets. He also played a major role in his own children’s athletic careers as a coach and supporter.
About 10 years ago, Richard’s life changed when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and a blood disorder. But that didn’t stop him from building his family’s dream home on an acreage in Courtland. He enjoyed every part of maintaining their land and gardening. The last couple of years have been the most difficult, though, and it came time for Richard to leave his beloved home in Courtland and move to a room at Hillcrest Firethorn. Kathy visits every day, but they both miss their date nights. When Jamie, Hillcrest Firethorn’s Social Worker, learned about their past dates, she nominated Richard to receive a special date night from Dreamweaver Foundation.
When the couple was dating, they loved grabbing dinner and watching a movie after a ball game, sometimes just them and other times with their friends. Dreamweaver Foundation helped recreate a bit of this dating history. Since moving to Lincoln, the Dostals have craved a traditional Czech dinner. There aren’t many chefs in Lincoln who cook Czech food, but it just so happens an amazing Czech chef works at a Hy-Vee in Lincoln. Hy-Vee catered a delicious duck with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, green beans and, of course, a Czech dinner isn’t complete without kolaches. After dinner, VIP Limo escorted the couple and their friends on a Christmas light tour around Lincoln.
The next morning, Kathy shared with Dreamweaver Foundation, “I am still smiling from ear to ear.” She expressed how every detail was wonderful and thoughtful. Everyone, especially Richard, had a wonderful evening.
Thank you, Hillcrest Firethorn, Carl from Hy-Vee, VIP Limo, and Dreamweaver Foundation volunteer Jordan.
