Michael Riley

Michael B. Riley, also known as "crazy grandpa" and "the general" 60, of Kearney died Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010 at his residence. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, January 18 at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney with Rev. Joseph Hannappel and Matt Koperski officiating. Interment will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 6:00 - 7:00 PM, Sunday, January 17 at the church with a Prayer Vigil at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services Monday at the church. Cremation will follow the services on Monday. Memorials are suggested to the Kearney Catholic Athletic Department. Online condolences or personal reflections may be submitted at osafh.com. O'Brien - Straatmann Funeral Home of Kearney is in charge of arrangements. He was born on August 5, 1949 in Ainsworth, NE to Mike and Mildred (Buell) Riley. He grew up in Bassett and received his education at Rock County High School. He attended National College of Business in Rapid City, SD on a rodeo scholarship. He received his degree from the Missouri Auction School with an honorary title of Colonel. He was united in marriage to Barbara Dilsaver on July 16, 1971 in Bassett. They lived in Nebraska and Illinois, where he was self-employed. He also lived in Kearney and was in sales, auctioneering and UNK concessions. They later divorced. He was committed to marriage to Jaylene Bashore, with whom he has spent the last seven years. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He volunteered as a coach for youth sports in football and softball. He enjoyed playing golf, playing cards and fishing. His favorite times were spent with his family, children and grandchildren and many friends. Survivors include special friend, Jaylene Bashore of Kearney; daughters, Angie Vollmer and husband Mike of Kearney and Mindy Gronewoller and husband Blaine of Kearney; sons, Michael and wife Pam of Omaha, Kenny and wife Brandi of Kearney, and Dustan and fiancee Adrienne of Lincoln; step-sons, Hans Bashore of Tulsa, OK and Will Bashore of Kearney; 8 grandchildren, Anthony, Mikayla, Austin, Taylor, Dylan, Lucas, Brittany and Owen; sister, Sue Heyden and husband Lanny of Newport, NE; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Patty, aunts and uncles

Michael Riley

August 5, 1949 - January 13, 2010