Ronald Dean Riley

On May 5, 2024, Ronald Dean Riley, also known as Radar, died peacefully with his family by his side.
 
 A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 13, at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Grand Island, with Father Don Buhrman presiding. Burial will follow at Parkview Cemetery with military honors by the Hastings Military Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4 - 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 12, with a short prayer service to follow at Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Ronald D. Riley Memorial to be designated to the Grand Island VA Community Living Center. Memorials can be mailed to Butler Volland Funeral Home, 1225 North Elm Avenue, Hastings, NE 68901. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website. To view the service, go to Ron’s obituary and click the play button shown towards the bottom of the page.

Ron was born on May 30, 1950, in O’Neill, NE. His parents, Forrest and Helen Riley, preceded him in death. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 52 years, Brenda (Schindler) Riley, his three children, Jason (Christin) Riley, Jeff (Abbi) Riley, Kaylinn (Josh) Nienhueser; six grandchildren: Ella & Cooper Riley, Avery & Hudson Riley, Briley & Weston Nienhueser. He also leaves behind three brothers and two sisters.

Ron worked over 40 years in the beverage industry, spending more than three decades at H&H Distributing, before retiring in 2012. Ron served his country honorably in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971 and received the Bronze Star Medal of Valor for heroism.

Ron had a charming, million-dollar smile that made everyone happy and earned him one of his many nicknames “Smiley Riley.” He loved his wife and family deeply, always checking in on them with countless phone calls and text messages. He had a unique, outgoing personality and the gift of gab. He was a modest and hardworking man, always ready to help others when needed.

Ron was infamous for playing cards and billiards; he had a knack for winning. He devoted his life to his family, never missing life achievements for his children. He always wanted his family to have a better life.

He enjoyed sports from his early years, excelling in baseball and basketball, while also playing football and golden gloves boxing. His fiercest competitors were his brothers and sisters. He loved a good card game with relatives and friends, keeping a tidy lawn, and cheering on his grandchildren in sports. He also enjoyed the game of golf, fishing, and hunting pheasant and quail. 

Ron's family and friends will always cherish his love and humor, and the positive influence he had on others. His grandchildren describe him as being selfless, warm-hearted, giggly, dapper, loving, humorous, and ornery. We are grateful to the honorable staff and veterans at the Grand Island Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Living Center for their kindness, compassion, and care for our husband and father.