Funeral Services For Ronald Grape

Ronald R. Grape Sr., 67 of St. Edward, NE died Friday, April 8, 2016 at his residence, as the result of an accident while working on his race car.

A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at the St. Edward Catholic Church, with Rev. Brian Ketelsen officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery at St. Edward, NE. There will not be a public visitation held. Miller-Levander Funeral Home of St. Edward, NE is in charge of arrangements.

Ronald Ray Grape Sr., son of Clarence “Bud” and Marjorie (Condreay) Grape, was born September 6, 1948 at the hospital in Genoa, NE. He attended elementary school at District #4 near Boone, NE and graduated from St. Edward High School with the class of 1967. 

Ron started driving a milk truck at age 16, and continued the route collecting milk from dairy farms for the next 35 years. He also began his racing career that year, by helping Ron VanMeter on his race car. The next year, he got his own race car and began his life of stock car racing. In 1998, Ron gave up the milk route and began working for Terry Sjuts Management, where he was currently employed. 

On October 16, 2004, Ron married Lora L. Kaul at Faith Lutheran Church in St. Edward, NE and they made their home in rural St. Edward. Ron was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith on May 22, 2005 at Faith Lutheran Church, where he remained active and was a current council member. He was a member of IMCA and also a past board member and treasurer for District #74 in Boone County.

Ron enjoyed race cars, spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, watching Husker games, racing, racing and racing. He was currently preparing for his 50th year of racing stock cars.

He is survived by his wife Lora of St. Edward, NE; three children: Ronald Jr. (Theresa) Grape of Columbus, NE; Jenny Grape of Columbus, NE; Josh Grape (Paula Egr) of Bellwood, NE; three step-children: Kerri Mowrey of St. Edward, NE; Gary (Carri) Mowrey of Columbus, NE; Nathan (Kandra) Mowrey of St. Edward, NE; 12 grandchildren: Tristan Kunze-Grape of Columbus, NE; Kasten, Kasen, Kysen and Kohlsen Grape of Columbus, NE; Jada Grape and Colten Ray of Bellwood, NE; Keiaira Mowrey of St. Edward, NE; Elizabeth, Sophia and Emily Mowrey of Columbus, NE; Cole and Trevin Mowrey of St. Edward, NE; along with nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends. 

Ron was preceded in death by his parents Bud and Marjorie Grape; and two brothers Merle and Cecil Grape.

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