Richard A. Riley - September 20, 2012

1930-2012
Richard “Dick” Anthony Riley, 81, of Humboldt, Nebraska was born on October 9, 1930, in Dawson, Nebraska to M. James “Stem” and Lillian (Davis) Riley. While being raised in Humboldt and Dawson, he attended grade school. Richard graduated from Dawson High School with the class of 1948. He received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha after studying at universities in Maryland, Hawaii, and Colorado.
On April 7, 1951, Richard was united in marriage to Ola Lee Albin at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dawson, Nebraska. Seven children were born to this union: Vincent, Mark, Patrick, Richard (Ken), Elaine, Michael, and Martin were born.
Richard served in the U.S. Army from 1948-1950. He was called up during the Korean Conflict and continued his military career in the United States Air Force. Richard and his family lived around the world until he retired as a Major. Their family lived in England; Altus, Oklahoma; Lincoln, Nebraska; Wichita Falls, Texas; Kaneohe, Hawaii; Boulder, Colorado; Omaha, Nebraska; and Germany before retiring to Humboldt in 1969.
After returning to Humboldt, Richard worked for O.A. Cooper, the Dawson Bank, and was an Assistant Dean for 11 years at the Omaha Home for Boys. He was a member of the Harvey-Mann Legion Post #269, Humboldt Lions Club, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dawson where he lectured, and former President of the Bruun Library Board.
Richard loved his family and friends, enjoyed singing Karaoke, emceeing, calling ballgames, small town Nebraska, and jokes.
Richard died at the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn, Nebraska on Thursday, September 20, 2012, having reached the age of 81 years, 11 months, and 12 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father Jesse Rist, brothers Martin and James Riley, and Donald Rist.
Richard is survived by his wife Ola Riley of Humboldt; sons: Vincent Riley of Falls City, Neb.; Mark (Jamie) Riley of Papillion, Neb.; Patrick (Sandy) Riley of Rota, Spain; Ken (Holly) Riley of Auburn; Michael (Cindy) Riley of Humboldt; and Martin (Rhonda) Riley of Hickman, Neb.; a daughter Elaine Riley of Raymore, Missouri; 17 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two “adopted” grandchildren Josh and Sara Orr; and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral Mass was held on Monday, September 24, 2012, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dawson, Nebraska, with Father Kenneth Hoesing officiating.
A rosary was recited by Father Kenneth Hoesing at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dawson.
Interment was at the Humboldt Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard and Harvey-Mann Legion Post #269.
Memorials contributions may be given to the family’s choice.
Online condolences can be sent to http://www.wherrymortuary.com.