Richard E. "Bud" Weiss

Hastings resident Richard E. “Bud” Weiss, 91, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Mary Lanning Health Care in Hastings, Nebraska.

Graveside service with military honors will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 19, at Blue Valley Cemetery in Ayr with Chaplain John Mueller officiating. Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. 

Bud was born December 24, 1933, in Chase County NE, to Valentine “Tiny” and Margaret (Hayes) Weiss. He graduated from Chase County High School. Bud proudly served in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1954. On August 30, 1956, he married Karen West, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love and devotion. Bud dedicated 37 years of service to Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital, where he worked as Chief Engineer until his retirement. In addition to his career, Bud gave more than 25 years of service as a member of the Hastings Volunteer Fire Department, exemplifying his lifelong dedication to helping others and serving his community. His strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment were deeply valued by colleagues and the community he served. In his free time, Bud enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, playing cards, and collecting antiques. He appreciated simple pleasures and was known for his steady presence, practical skills, and quiet humor.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles Weiss.

SURVIVORS:

Wife: 
    Karen Weiss – Hastings, NE
Children & Spouse: 
    Debra & Wayne Erickson – Hastings, NE
    Linda Rader – Hastings, NE
    Mitchell Weiss – Hastings, NE
Grandchildren:
    Dustin & Tenille Rader – Hastings, NE
    Kreighton & Keysha Baxter – Sutton, NE
    MaKenzie & Alex Lazo – Omaha, NE
    Shelby Weiss – Lincoln, NE
    Breidan & Shyanne Weiss – Hastings, NE
    Jace Erickson – Hastings, NE
Great-Grandchildren: 9
Brother:
     Kenneth Weiss – Alda, NE
Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends
Special Lifelong Friends:
    Jim & Bev Hill