Rick Allen Fila

Rick Allen Fila, 61, of Grand Island, died Monday, May 19, 2014 at St. Francis Medical Center, Grand Island.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 23, 2014 at St. Marys Cathedral, Grand Island with the Rev. Richard Piontkowski officiating. Visitation hours will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2014 at the Apfel Funeral Home with the rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date. Apfel Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Rick A. Fila was born September 1, 1952 in Grand Island, NE. the son of William M. and Dorothy L. (Kowalewski) Fila. He received his early education at Blessed Sacrament Elementary School in Grand Island and graduated from Grand Island Central Catholic High School with the class of 1970.

Rick was united in marriage to Sheila (Mutchie) Fila on Oct. 28, 1972. The couple made their home in Grand Island. Rick was employed from 1972-1976 at his familys bar businesses- Seven Seas Lounge, Sportsman's Bar, and Dad's Liquor. In 1976, Rick became a Sales Representative for Midland Medical Supply Company in Lincoln, NE. Rick received numerous awards for his achievements in sales. In 2004, Rick received "Veteran Sales Person of the Year" from Midland Medical. In 2008, he received "Salesman of the Year" from Prairie Health Ventures of Nebraska. Rick never met a stranger who didnt become a friend, and his gift of gab made him the successful sales rep that he was.

Rick enjoyed spending time with his family, celebrating the Fourth of July, and watching his grandsons competing in their sports. He enjoyed golfing, hunting with family and friends, rooting for Notre Dame football and cheering on the New York Yankees.

Those left to cherish his memories include his wife, Sheila; daughters Gina and Eric Nelson of Lincoln and Michelle and P.J. Wiseman of Ashland City, TN; grandsons Easton, Grant and Evan Nelson of Lincoln; brother Bill Fila of Omaha; sisters Paula and Bob Parmley of Chandler, AZ, Pam and Steve Lofholm of Roseville, CA., and Penny and Bob Schwieger of Grand Island; brothers- and sisters-in-law Dr. and Mrs. Beamer and Connie Breiling of Cedar Rapids, IA and Kelly and Kathy Mutchie of Omaha; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He is welcomed into heaven by his parents.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.apfelfuneralhome.com