He was born on August 15, 1931 in Omaha, Nebraska to Zenon Sr. and Rosario (Martinez) Rivera. At the age of 9 his family moved from Omaha to farm in central Nebraska. At the age of 16 while vacationing in Mexico with his family, he met Abigail who was 14 years old. Zenon married the love of his life, Abigail Navarrete on February 8, 1951 in Angamacutiro, Michoacán, Mexico. They were married in a 15th century church where his parents were married in 1911. Together they farmed and raised their family in the rural Wood River and Shelton area.
He will best be remembered for the many stories he shared, giving advice, encouraging others to live their lives to the fullest, and believing with God in your heart, that nothing was impossible. He was strong in his faith and enjoyed spreading the word of God. His passion was farming and he was proud to be a farmer. He attended Abundant Life Christian Center in Grand Island for many years.
He is survived by his daughter, Rosie Rivera, sons, Joseph, Manuel (Christy), Zenon III (Kathy), and Mario (Linda) Rivera, all of Grand Island, and Edward Rivera of Lincoln; 16 grandchildren and extended grandchildren; Adam (Angela), Angelita, Antonio (Heather), Abel, and Ana Castaneda, Angelica, Jose (Amanda), Daniel (Elia), Anita, Alex, Ben (Sarah), Nate, Adrianne Rivera (Zach Hypes), Zenon IV (Kendra), Michael (Crystal), and Alisia Rivera; Jeff (Emilie), and Brian (Vanessa) Warneking. Thirty-two great grandchildren and extended great grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his wife Abigail on January 4, 2019, daughter-in-law Stella Rivera (wife of Joseph), sisters Juanita Rivera, Dolores Feregrino, Narcissa Rojas, Trina Rodriguez, Rosie Knop; brothers Ausencio Rivera and Antonio Rivera.
Private family committal services at Shelton Cemetery, Shelton, Nebraska.
No other services are planned at this time.
Memorials are suggested to My Bridge Christian Radio or the donor's choice.
Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home - Lincoln, Nebraska
Condolences: www.lincolnfh.com
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