Richard D. Saalfeld

Richard 'Rick' D. Saalfeld, 81 of Grand Island left for his eternal home on Friday, January 16, 2026, with his loving family by his side. Celebration of Life Service will be 10:30 AM Thursday, January 22nd at All Faiths Funeral Home. Daniel Naranjo will officiate. Live streaming will be available on Rick's obituary page at www.giallfaiths.com. Burial will be in the Grand Island Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Wednesday at All Faiths Funeral Home. Rick was born on July 23, 1944, in Columbus, NE the son of Duane and Doris (Foust) Saalfeld. He attended K-8 school in Richland and graduated from Columbus High School, class of 1962. He was united in marriage to Rhonda (Reher) Ganow on October 30, 1984. Rick was employed for many years for United Food and Commercial Workers as an International Representative assigned to Chicago. Rick's professional career was all about being the voice of others. Including when he testified before the Congressional Sub Committee to pass the WARN ACT. He felt honored to receive the signature pen from the Speaker of the House The Honorable Jim Wright for that testimony. Rick was inducted into the Labor Leaders Hall of Fame in 2003, the same year as his retirement. He also testified to a Congressional sub committee to encourage packing plants to not hire non union workers in an order to keep wages fair for workers. In addition he served in many capacities as follows: Excel Chain Chairman, National Packing House Committee Member, Business Agent for Local 106 and Local 22, Secretary Treasurer UFCW 22, President UFCW local 22 in Fremont and Local 271 Omaha. International Representative assigned to Chicago Office and Region II, Executive Board Member of the Nebraska State AFL-CIO, and Governor Ben Nelson’s appointee to Job Training Council of NE. Fighting hard for the workers was his career passion. Rick NEVER woke up to a bad day. Traveling with Rhonda, his kids, and grandkids were his passion in retirement. He loved to camp, fish, fiddle with carpentry and home improvements. The yard at their house looked like a picture from a garden magazine. Christmas was his favorite holiday and he was determined to experience his last Christmas with family. Rick was a fighter. He battled cancer for a number of years and NOT ONCE did it get him down. When he and Rhonda married, there was never a question that Laura and Scott were his kids. Football games at the Saalfelds were intense especially if the Bears, Chiefs or Huskers were playing. In fact, he would watch anything HUSKER from Volleyball to track. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Rhonda; children, Scott (Ginny) Ganow of Kearney, Rich (Lisa) Saalfeld of Crete and Sue (Saalfeld) Burkhardt; nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren. He is preceded by daughter Laura Ganow; his parents and two brothers, Rod and Randy Saalfeld. Memorials are suggested to AseraCare Hospice and individual choice.

Richard D. Saalfeld

July 23, 1944 - January 16, 2026

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Richard D. Saalfeld

July 23, 1944 - January 16, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support