Raphael 'Ralph' A. Koziol, 93, of Humphrey, died Sept. 12, 2018, at Columbus Community Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Humphrey with Rev. Patrick McLaughlin celebrating the Mass. Interment will be in the St. Francis Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, Sept. 20, beginning with a rosary at 4 p.m. with visitation to follow until 7 p.m. at the church, and a vigil service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9-10 a.m. on Friday at the church.

Ralph A. Koziol was born Oct. 28, 1924, near Tarnov, to John and Anna (Zoucha) Koziol. He attended St. Michael's school in Tarnov and obtained his GED diploma. He went on to trade school in Sidney. On Oct. 4, 1958, Ralph was united in marriage to Rosella Martischang at Lindsay Holy Family Church. He farmed near Tarnov until moving to Sidney to attend John Deere Trade School, then moved to North Bend, and finally to Humphrey to work for the John Deere dealership in 1966 as the Service Manager for 23 years.

Ralph was a proud World War II veteran. He was drafted into the U.S. Army on Aug. 23, 1944, and served until June 28, 1946. He served with the 76th Infantry Division in Europe during WWII. After the war ended, he was transferred to the 32nd Chemical Mortar Battalion to prepare for the invasion of Japan. When the war ended in the Pacific, Ralph was then transferred to the 1st Infantry Division stationed in Regensburg, Germany, for the occupation of Germany until he was honorably discharged.

Ralph was very proud of his Polish heritage. His father emigrated from Poland thru Ellis Island. Ralph was proud of his family and was a strong support for all of them. He enjoyed telling many personal stories about growing up in the depression and his military experiences. He spoke at schools and shared his many war souvenirs with others. He was a wonderful role model to his family. Ralph was a lifelong member of St. Francis Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the V.F.W. He was an avid gardener, golfer, and Nebraska Cornhusker fan. He lived a long, good life and will be dearly missed by all.

Ralph is survived by daughter Judy Fischer of Lincoln, daughter Jane (Bob) Kurtenbach of Lindsay; grandchildren Adam Fischer of Lincoln, Scott (Cathy) Fischer of Lincoln, Kaitlyn (Ryan) Lauer of Gothenburg, Mitchell (Amanda) Kurtenbach of Lincoln, Andrew (Courtney) Kurtenbach of Lindsay, twins Emily and Elizabeth Kurtenbach of Lincoln; great-grandchildren Maya Fischer, Oliver Fischer, Hendrix Fischer, Lena Jane Kurtenbach, and Everly Frances Lauer; brothers-in-law Alvin (Agnes) Kuta, Virgil (Phyllis) Kuta, Gene (Lee) Martischang; sister-in-law Irene Martischang; many nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by parents John and Anna Koziol, wife Rosella Koziol, son Thomas Koziol, brothers Barney, Joe, Tom, Frank, Mike, John, and Stanley Koziol; sisters Mary Thomas, Josephine Koziol, and Laurene Koziol and two infant sisters; sisters-in-law Florence Koziol, Laura Koziol, and Elizabeth Koziol; brothers-in-law Earl Thomas and Leon Martischang; niece Janet Kuta and nephew David Koziol.