Richard Arlo Muhlbach

Richard Muhlbach, 85, of Shelton, NE, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at Heritage at Sagewood in Grand Island, NE.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Carl Eliason officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00 pm at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery north of Shelton. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm on Sunday at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island, NE. Memorials are suggested to Peace Lutheran Church or Lutheran Hour Ministries. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements; online condolences may be left at www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

Richard was born on August 15, 1941 in Shelton, NE the son of Richard E. and Ella L.(Reese) Muhlbach. He grew up on a farm north of Shelton, NE, helping his parents on the farm. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, North Shelton. He graduated from Ravenna High School in 1959. Richard entered the U.S. Army in Jan., 1964 at Ft. Leonardwood, MO and was discharged in Jan., 1966. 

He was united in marriage to Diann R. Harder on June 11, 1966 at Christ Lutheran Church in Cairo, NE. The couple farmed, attended auctions, participated in the annual Junk Jaunt and exhibited their 1956 Chevy Belair. Diann passed on Jan. 23, 2026. He was a past member of Zion Lutheran Church, Shelton, NE and attended Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island. He was also a lifetime member of the NRA. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his sister; Leonora (Muhlbach) Roth, Nieces and nephews; Sheryl (John) Haile, Vern (Ann) Muhlbach, Jan Wolford (Mike Gallo), Jim (Kathy) Muhlbach, Tim (Rhonda) Roth, Sandy (Pat) Boley, Mark (Brenda) Roth. Numerous Grand and Great nieces and nephews. Sisters-in-Law; Marilyn (Tom) Wilson, LaJean Magnuson, Renee VanWinkle, Lynnette (Don) Losh. 

Richard was preceded in death by his wife Diann Muhlbach, parents Richard and Ella Muhlbach, brother Kenneth and wife Agnes Muhlbach, brothers-in-law Fredrick Roth, Ruel Magnuson and John VanWinkle.