Richard "Rich" Boersen, Sr.

A Memorial service and celebration of Rich's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24th, 2025, at All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island, Nebraska with military honors provided by the U.S. Navy and United Veterans Honor Guard. There is a reception following the service at the VFW in Grand Island. His family will scatter Rich's ashes at a later date.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 2-3 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the Memorial service.

Richard "Rich" Arlen Boersen, Sr., 80, of Grand Island passed away at his home on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Rich was born December 11, 1944, in North Platte, NE to Pearl I. (Castor) Boersen. He was later adopted by his father Fritz H. Boersen, Sr. at age 6. In 1963, Rich graduated from Grand Island Senior High. He entered the U.S. Navy on October 2, 1963, from which he was later honorably discharged. Rich was an advocate for the military his whole life. He had proudly taken the Honor Flight to Washington, DC.

Rich was a life-long resident of Central Nebraska, growing up in Chapman and then residing in Grand Island for his adult years. He had to get it wrong first in order to get it right, but that is exactly what he did when he met and married Shirley Ann Linder, the love of his life. They were united in marriage on August 12, 1995, and remained together until his passing.

Rich experienced a 30+ year career as a salesman with Pepsi Cola. He was regularly celebrated for his unique and artistic beverage displays, while also winning Route Salesman of the year.

As a young man, Rich played softball and participated in bowling leagues. He served on multiple teams and won countless tournaments. He was also an avid fisherman and hunter. Spending time at the family farm was also a favored pastime of his.

Rich was a long-time member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE), serving as President for the Grand Island chapter in 1984-85. He was also a long-time member of the American Legion. He earned multiple accommodations from the State for his handling of their BINGO affairs.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Shirley; daughters, Sheila Boersen of Grand Island, NE, and Alaina Boersen of Phoenix, AZ; step-children, Dawn (David) Keith, Kris Shaver, both of Holdrege, NE, and RJ (Jessi) Linder of Overton, NE; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rich is also survived by two brothers, John (Lynette) Boersen and Fritz, Jr. (Marge) Boersen, both of Grand Island, NE; sister, Ronda (Walt) Ross of Grand Island, NE; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Wendy (Boersen) Chmiel; son, Richard Arlen Boersen, II; an infant brother, Donald, and brothers, Gary, Mike and Larry.

Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date.

Online condolences may be left at www.giallfaiths.com .

The All Faith's Funeral Home in Grand Island, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.