Clarence J. Rief

Clarence J. Rief, 98, of Grand Island passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2019. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday in St. Mary’s Cathedral. Father Jim Golka is the celebrant. Burial of ashes will be in Grand Island City Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Air Force. A gathering of friends and family will be from 6-7 p.m. Monday at All Faiths Funeral Home with a Rosary at 7:00. Clarence was born November 1, 1920, in Grand Island, the son of George Sr. and Anna (Keifer) Rief. He attended country school, District #4 and #28, graduated from St. Mary’s High School and attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln. In 1946, Clarence enlisted in the Regular Army Air Corp at Fort Crook, Omaha, serving as a technical sergeant radio operator during WWII for bombers in Stateside training squadrons. He was honorably discharged November of 1948. On May 17, 1952, he was united in marriage to Martha Shuminas and the couple made their home on the family farm near Grand Island which had been in the family since the early 1870’s. He believed he was destined to be a farmer and was further blessed to have farmed during the golden era of agriculture, including the transition from horse to tractor power. Clarence was a life-long member of St. Mary’s Parish. He was a choir member for many years and enjoyed the opportunity to share in the volunteer capacity. He was also a member of the Platt Deutsche since 1949. Clarence loved his Dachshunds, his loyal companions. He enjoyed nature walks along the Platte River, square and round dancing, cooking and gardening, stained glass projects and reading. In later life he was an amateur parachutist with the Weeping Water Parachute Club. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Troy Johnson of Grand Island, his source of pride were his two granddaughters, Stephanie (Jacob) Weddle and Jennifer (Enrique) Anaya and five beloved grandsons, Jaden, Devin, Remington Aidan and Dominic; sisters-in-law, Wilma Rief of Dannebrog and Beatrice Shuminas of Bolingbrook, IL; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha “Marty” Rief; his parents; and a brother, George A. Rief Jr. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Clarence J. Rief

November 1, 1920 - April 9, 2019

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Clarence J. Rief

November 1, 1920 - April 9, 2019

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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