Diane Nelson

Diane Nelson

Hastings resident Diane Nelson, 79, passed away Friday, June 19, 2026, at Primrose Retirement Center in Grand Island, NE, surrounded by her daughters and sister-in-law.

A celebration of life will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Livingston Butler Funeral Home. Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2026, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Hastings, NE, with Father Prageeth Chamara officiating. A private burial with her immediate family will be held at a later time. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 1:30 p.m.- 6:30 with family present from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for distribution to charities that were special to Diane. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website, www.lbvfh.com. To view the service, go to Diane’s obituary and click the play button shown at the bottom of the page. Condolences may be sent to the family at Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home. The family would like to express their gratitude to St. Croix Hospice and Primrose Retirement Staff for their compassionate care and support.

Diane Lynn (Buss) Nelson was born in Gothenburg, NE, on December 3, 1946, to Julius and Lois (Ballmer) Buss. Diane graduated from Gothenburg High School in 1964. After graduation, she attended Kearney State College, where she met the love of her life, Tom Nelson. They were united in marriage on August 25, 1967. They were blessed with two daughters–Cindy (Nelson) Long of Hastings, NE, and Kelli (Nelson) Berryman of Norfolk, NE.

Diane worked for Drs. Foote, Beck, and Midwest ENT for over 20 years. Her greatest joy in life was spoiling her grandchildren. She was known for her love of supporting the family through many activities and enjoyed going to Lake Okoboji for family vacations. She had many special friends that she deeply loved until the end. She was an avid Husker Fan, especially of Nebraska Volleyball. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

Diane is survived by her two daughters: Cindy Long (David) of Hastings and Kelli Berryman (Troy) of Norfolk, NE; her beloved Grandchildren: Mitchell Long (Jayce), Nicholas Long, and Morgan Long, all of Omaha, Abby Berryman (Lauren) of Elkhorn, Ne, and Maggie Riggle (Harrison), and Great Granddaughter Elizabeth Riggle of North Bend, Ne. Along with many extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, Tom Nelson; her parents, Julius and Lois; her brother James; her brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.