Frank J. Riha, 87, of Springfield, NE, passed away on October 4, 2023, in Louisville, NE. He was one of 14 children born in Omaha, NE, on the family farm on August 29, 1936. His parents were Louis and Mary (Turnovsky) Riha.
Frank attended South High School and later left to help out on the farm. He served in the Army Reserves for six years. On December 27, 1958, he married Kathleen Krajicek. They were together for over 64 years. They have three children: Deb and her husband, Ed Harris; Joe and his wife, Ann (Liebentritt); and Linda and her husband, Chris Scholting. There are ten grandchildren: Daniel Harris, Jessica Harris and Katie Huppert, Jacki, Nick, Paul, and Corey Riha, Haylie Rodgers, Abbie Meyer, and Samantha Scholting. Also, Frank has six great-grandchildren.
In 1971, Frank bought a farm near Springfield, NE, and moved the family there. He took up construction in his 60s and created lake properties, having over 60 tenants. He continued to farm until an injury made it difficult for him to work. Frank served on several boards, including the Farmer’s Coop, the American Legion, and the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Springfield, NE.
Frank loved the Sarpy County Fair and especially the tractor pulls. He won first place several years in the pulls and always enjoyed participating. He also loved the car races and watched them every Sunday. He enjoyed fast cars, especially his 57 Chevy, going to the casino, poker parties, homebrew, and Falstaff Beer! Those who knew Frank will miss visiting with him, his unselfish ways, and his sweetcorn!
In addition to his children, Frank is survived by brothers Vic (Bev Forman) and Vince (JoEllen Hlavacek) Riha, sisters Lillian Cabiness (Bill), Mary Ann Moore, Julie Diehm, (Ed) Barb Wilhalm, (Russ), Virg Baye (Mike) and Ev Hans. Sisters-in-law Shirley (Hrabik ) Riha, Jan (Lawver) Riha, Jan (Broders) Riha.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Shirley; brothers Billy, Louie, Ted, Tom, and brother-in-law Bob Moore.
Services and visitation were held at Kahler-Dolce, on Monday, October 9, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Springfield, NE, October 10 at 10:00 a.m. Burial followed at St. John’s Cemetery in Bellevue.
