Richard Walter Welke, 76, of Grand Island, passed away December 17, 2014 at the VA Medical Center in Grand Island.

Richard was born March 30, 1938 in Ainsworth, NE to Carl and Jane (Moorehouse) Welke. He attended the Ainsworth school system until the age of 17, when he joined the Army. He moved to Illinois and married Claudette Vaccaro. Daughter, Debra and son, Scott were born to this union. Rich worked for Smith Oil Company, and later had his own auto parts store.

In 1981, Rich moved back to Nebraska, and married Marsha Rayment. Rich was step-dad to her four children. Rich and Marsha owned and operated the Sandhills Oasis café in Woodlake, NE. Later they moved to Ainsworth and operated Poor Richard's café at the bowling alley. Rich also worked as a greens-keeper for the Ainsworth Golf Course. Rich was a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golf, cooking, and made many friends during his lifetime.

Rich leaves behind to mourn his passing, wife: Marsha of Grand Island, NE; daughter: Debra Gillam of Chicago, IL; son: Scott (Terry) Welke of Chicago, IL; step-children: Mischell (Wes) Hill of Kilgore, NE, Kimberly (Joel) Minge of Raymond, NE, David (Laray) Rayment of Mitchell, SD, Crystal (Eric) Denny of Long Pine, NE; 11 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and brother: Robert (Donna) Welke of Rockford, IL.

He was preceded in death by his mother: Jane and step-dad: Virgil Strong; and father: Carl Welke.

Richard Walter Welke, 76, of Grand Island, died Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at the Veteran's Medical Center in Grand Island. According to his wishes, Richard was cremated. A memorial service will be 3:00 pm Saturday, January 10, 2015 at the American Legion in Ainsworth, NE. Interment will be at a later date.