Kim Marie Vanvelson-Riley

Kim Marie Vanvelson – Riley age 61, of Brule, Nebraska was taken home to the Lord on May 27,2025 at UNMC Omaha, NE, after a 2-year battle with Leukemia.

She was born May 16,1964 at Ogallala to Rich and Joanne (Frates) Vanvelson of Brule. Kim grew up at Brule and graduated from Brule High School in 1982. She attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in finance. At the time she was going to college she met the love of her life, Shawn Riley. After graduation she moved to San Diego California to live with her Great Aunt Adelyne and be close to Shawn, who was stationed in San Diego, CA in the Navy. Kim and Shawn were married in 1987 in Brule. Following their military service they moved to Fort Collins, Colorado where Shawn attended college. Kim received her real estate appraising license in 1991, and Kim started her own business in 1997 which continued until her health declined and she was unable to do the work in 2025.

Kim and Shawn were blessed with a son Elkanah in 1994. He was the light of her life and enjoyed years of 4-H horse, dog, rockets and the many years of Junior High and High School Rodeo where she made lifelong friends. There were so many good times around the horse trailers sharing potluck with her friends.

Kim found great joy in taking care of her animals, horses, dogs, cats and a donkey named Joe. Kim also loved doing raptor recovery until she was unable due to her cancer diagnosis. Kim cared for hundreds of hawks, eagles, owls, vultures and kestrels over the years. All types of raptors were welcome and graced her house with fantastic stories to go with each bird.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 6, 2025, in the Draucker Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala, Nebraska from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Funeral services will be Saturday, June 7, 2025, at The Brule Activity Center in Brule, Nebraska at 10:00 am with Pastor Ken Real of McCool Junction, Nebraska.

The interment will be in Brule Cemetery in Brule, Nebraska.

Kim is survived by her husband of 37 years Shawn of Brule. Her son Elkanah Riley, (Monique) and grandson Vanvelson Riley of New York, NY; Her parents Richard and Joanne Vanvelson of Brule, NE. And many beloved cousins’, aunts and uncles. Friends, there are just too many to mention; Kim’s family would like to thank all of you who called, sent cards, stopped by to check on her while she was battling cancer. Kim’s faith brought her through the tough days while dealing with cancer treatments. Kim believed that God is for you, Jesus is with you and the Holy Spirit is in you!

Kim was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Brule, Nebraska.

Kim was preceded in death by her Grandparents Bud and Osie Vanvelson, Norman (Tater) and Pauline Frates. Uncles Tom Vanvelson and Rod Vanvelson.

Kim’s family would like to give thanks for the 6th & 7th floor staff at the Buffett Cancer Center at UNMC for their loving care during her journey through cancer.

A memorial has been established and will be designated at a later date.

Condolences can be left by going to www.drauckerfh.com.

Services will be live-streamed and can be watched by going to www.drauckerfh.com.

Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.