Roy D. Cadwalader, 90, of Grand Island died Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Apfel Funeral Home, with the Rev. Lonnie Logan officiating. Interment will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Apfel Funeral Home is caring for the family.

Roy was born on March 29, 1927, in Loup City, the son of Walter and Daisy (Fletcher) Cadwalader. He grew up in Grand Island. He entered the United States Navy on April 11, 1944, and served during World War II. He was honorably discharged on May 23, 1946.

He was united in marriage to Mary Wanitschke on May 21, 1955, in Aurora. The couple then made their home in Grand Island. Roy was employed by the Grand Island Fire Department and was a longtime truck driver for Nelson-Peterson, and then for Briggs. He worked for the Bureau of Reclamation, retiring in 1990. He later served as a crossing guard for Gates Elementary School in Grand Island.

He was a member of the VFW, Platt Duetsche, Liederkranz, Saddle Club, American Legion and Toastmasters. He enjoyed the horse races, taking care of his yard, Nebraska sports and, most importantly, his grandchildren.


Those left to cherish his memory include his two daughters, Janet (Stephen) Griffin of Grand Island and Jennifer Cadwalader of Grand Island; two grandchildren, Cass (Tom) Didier of Lincoln and Casey (Brionne) Griffin of Grant; a great-grandchild, Caylieh Griffin; a brother, Bert Cadwalader of Bountiful, Utah; a sister, Alvina “Blanche” Kissler of Casper, Wyo.; and numerous nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary; a great-grandson, August F. Didier; sisters, Edna, Evelyn, Mary and Dorothy; and brothers, Milford and Fred.