Richard Daniel Raile

Richard “Rich” D. Raile, 55 of Grand Island died, Thursday, June 21, 2018 at CHI Health St. Francis, Grand Island, NE.



Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Grand Island with the Rev. Martin Egging officiating. Burial will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Island. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at the church from 5-7 p.m. with a rosary/prayer vigil starting at 7:00 p.m., followed by a public time of sharing. Memorials are suggested to the family. Apfel Funeral Home is caring for the family.



Richard Daniel Raile was born October 24, 1962 in Norfolk, Nebraska the son of David & Elaine (Ruppert) Raile. He grew up in Norfolk and Grand Island, receiving his education from Northwest High School, graduating with the class of 1981.



He was united in marriage to Denise Greenwalt on August 10, 1985 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Grand Island. The couple made their home in Grand Island. He began his career as a mechanic at the family owned business Raile Parkway 66. Then, Rich became employed at FedEx where he was a driver for 24 years.



He loved the 4th of July which led him to own and operate Rockin’ Rich’s Fireworks for the last 12 years. He had a love for music and especially Elvis Presley. He played the drums with Nashville Lights, Pure Intensity, Stillwater and Westwind. He was also a DJ and entertainer and could fill a dance floor. Rich competed in taekwondo tournaments as a first degree black belt. He loved Husker football and was so excited for Scott Frost’s season. He loved firing up his grill no matter what time of day it was and always made sure you had at least a bite no matter how full you were. He had an infectious smile, laugh and love for helping others. He loved company and always made sure you stayed an extra hour or two longer than you expected. If you needed a vehicle repaired you could always count on Rich. Animals, especially his grandpup Wrigley, always held a special place in his heart.



Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Denise of Grand Island; two daughters and a son-in-law, Kelli & Adam Wemhoff of Grand Island and Brittany Raile of Grand Island; father, David Raile of Grand Island; brother and sister-in-law, Bill & Julie Raile of Grand Island; sisters and brothers-in-law, Patty & Mike York of Grand Island, Connie & Dave Meier of Parker, Colorado and Carol & Jack Hodges of Fort Dodge, Iowa; sisters and brothers-in-law, Debi & Scott Peterson of Elkhorn and Diane & Kevin McDermott of Lincoln and many nieces and nephews.



He was preceded in death by his mother, Elaine Raile, mother and father in-law, Clarence & Dorthy Greenwalt.