Cover photo for Richard M.'s Obituary
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1924 Richard 2009

Richard M.

December 11, 1924 — August 30, 2009

Richard Mark Ely, one of seven children of E.H. and Laura S. (Kerns) Ely, was born December 11, 1924 in Auburn, Nebraska. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School, and graduated from Auburn High School. Dick went on to attend Notre Dame University until joining the Army.

Dick entered the United States Army during World War II, and served in the European Theater. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Notre Dame to finish his business degree.

On November 4, 1950 Richard was united in marriage to Mary Ann Margrave in Wahoo, Nebraska. They would be blessed with six children: Jim, Mary Cay, John, Janet, Bob, and Beth.

The couple lived in Grand Island, Nebraska, where Dick worked for the Internal Revenue Service and then opened his own accounting firm. In 1963 the family moved to Auburn, where Dick began farming. He not only raised crops, but had a cattle operation as well. Dick developed a real love for the farm, and never gave it up.

Besides his farming, Dick had a deep love for his family. He got a lot of satisfaction from watching his children grow up, and loved to play with his grandchildren. He was known to both family and friends for his sense of humor and his knack for socializing.

Following a severe stroke, Dick spent a couple of days in a Lincoln hospital before returning to Auburn and the Good Samaritan Society. With family present, he passed away there on Sunday, August 30, 2009 at the age of 84 years, 8 months, and 20 days. He was preceded in death by his daughter Mary Cay Ely Opp; brothers Edward, Eugene, Charles, and William; sister Mary Alice Ely, and infant sister Laura.

Richard is survived by his wife Mary Ann of Auburn; children Jim and wife Linda Ely of Omaha; John Ely of Minneapolis, MN; Janet and husband Richard Klemer of Friendswood, TX; Bob and wife Cindi Ely of Pearland, TX; Beth and husband Randy Sickel of Falls City; 12 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; many other relatives and many friends.

Funeral mass was celebrated Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Auburn. Father Greg Pawloski and Father Phil Rauth celebrated the mass. Music was provided by Barb Billesbach and John Crotty. Pallbearers were Dwight Hawley, Mark Kubik, Ray North, Bill Ely, Greg Ely, and Mark Ely. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery south of Auburn.
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