Kenneth Wayne Riley, 84, passed away September 5, 2013 surrounded by loving family, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born to Edward and Mary (Roth) Riley on a farm east of Dorchester, NE.
His family moved to Crete, and Ken graduated from high school in 1947. He served in the Army, during the Korean War, and spent one year of his service in Germany. He began a long career with CB&Q in 1948 and retired after nearly 43 years of service with Burlington Northern Santa Fe. Ken enjoyed gardening, walking, fishing, working in his barn, playing pool and a good Budweiser. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church (a deacon), American Legion Post #3, and VFW #4959 of Crete. Most important to Ken was time spent with his family.
He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Ramona (Hanika) of Lincoln; 4 daughters Carol Hilty (Gary) of Colorado Springs, CO, Paula Mayer (Ellis) of Parker, CO, Denise Baker (Rod) of Tulsa, OK, and Helen Riley of Golden, CO; 7 grandchildren Aaron, Adam, Evan, Jamie, Hannah, Ali and Riley; 2 great grandchildren Mason and Presley; 5 step grandchildren; 8 step great grandchildren; and his sister, Dorothy Henning, of Crete. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Earl, Vernon, and Clayton.
Services: 11:00 am Tuesday (9-10-13) Roper and Sons Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street with Rev. Dr. Andrew McDonald officiating.
Memorials to the family for future designation.
Visitation: 2 -8 pm Monday with family greeting friends from 6-7:30 pm at Roper and Sons. The family would like to thank the loving hands and hearts of those at Holmes Lake Manor and Asera Care who cared for Ken during his illness.