1941. Wayne “Pete” Rishel, 94, of Ashland, NE passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2017 in Gretna, NE. He was born December 24, 1922 south of Ashland in Cass County. The youngest son of Herman Rishel and Selma (Nelson) Rishel, he moved to Ashland in March of 1929 and lived there the rest of his life. He graduated from Ashland High School in 1941. While in high school he participated for four years in football, basketball and many musical groups. He attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln from 1941-1942.

In 1942, Pete started working for the City of Lincoln Water Department in Ashland. After 42 years of service, he retired in 1985. In addition to his full-time job, he worked for 18 years as an American Family Insurance Agent.

Pete served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1946. He was stationed at Camp Beale (now Beale AFB) near Marysville, CA. He was honorably discharged on March 30, 1946 when he had to return home to care for his ailing parents. Pete and his brother Elmer then built a home for their parents at 1605 Furnas Street in Ashland, where Pete and his family then resided for many years.

After serving in the military, Pete became a permanent active member of the Ashland American Legion Post #129, participating in many activities including cooking at fish fries and folding the flag at funeral services. Pete was a member of the United Methodist Church in Ashland. On Palm Sunday 1938, at the age of 16, Pete joined the church. At the time of his death, he was one of the oldest members of the church with 79 years. He became a Master Mason at Pomegranate Lodge (now consolidated with the Comet Lodge) in January 1945. He was presented the Jordan Medal, which recognizes the member of the lodge for the most years’ service. In his spare time, Pete loved to golf and was one of the first members of the Ashland Country Club. He participated in many golf leagues and functions including a group of seniors who traveled throughout Nebraska playing on various golf courses in the state.

Pete is survived by his children: Pam Rishel of Ashland, Deb Busing of Ashland, Sue (Tom) Pascale of Omaha; grandchildren: Shay Pascale of San Diego, CA, Ryan Pascale of Yosemite, CA and Brett Pascale of Omaha.

Pete was preceded in death by his brother Elmer Rishel.