Obituary

Richard L. Way

July 29, 1948 - May 4, 2025

Richard L. Way, born July 29, 1948 in Lincoln, NE, passed away suddenly but peacefully at his home on May 4, 2025.

He is survived by his wife Karen Way; his brother Fred Way Jr. and sister Betty Schleiger; his children Kimberly Krzycki and Zach Krzycki, Joe Way and Amy Way, Anna Smith and Jacyn Smith, Sam Way and Laura Norris; and his beloved grandchildren Ashlyn, Christian, Katusha, Nora, and Frankie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Way Sr. and Leona Way, and siblings Eileen Way and Larry Schleiger.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 9th, 2025 at 1pm, located at Roper & Sons’ new South Lincoln Chapel, located at 3950 Hohensee Dr in Lincoln, NE. For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be live-streamed via the Roper & Sons website.

To honor Richard’s legacy as a storyteller, the service will feature the sharing of cherished memories and anecdotes, ensuring that his words and lighthearted spirit live on through all of us. In-person attendees will have an opportunity to share their favorite stories of Richard both during the service and after, at the reception.

The program will also include a tribute to his dedicated service in the United States Marine Corps, reflecting on the honor and pride he carried from his time serving during the Vietnam War. In addition, the ceremony will recognize Richard’s many years as a committed Freemason, celebrating the values of brotherhood, integrity, and community service that he upheld throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests making donations to honor Richard’s favorite non-profit, Tunnel To Towers, which provides financial support to families of fallen first responders and housing for injured veterans.

Honorary pallbearers: Zach Krzycki, Jacyn Smith, Joe Way, Brian Way, Mark Way, Michael Way, Troy Schleiger, Sam Walker, Charlie Chappell, George Chmielewski, Scott Bailey, and Jerry Norris.

SERVICE VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/1082944565/08d83c4378

Services

May9

Funeral Service

CST

Roper & Sons South Chapel

3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill)
Lincoln, NE 68516

(402) 261-5907

Share a Memory or Condolence

May 10, 2025

Richard was my mother’s cousin, but I always knew him as Uncle Rich (or “Herk” if it was my Granddad Cecil Ristau) . One of my lasting memories of Rich was when he showed up at my brother’s house on Cheshire N (Rich’s Aunt May and Cecil Ristau’s old house) in his Corvette to give my wife a ride. My (who loves ‘Vettes but had never ridden in one at that time) saw the Corvette coming up the street and was saying “Oh, how pretty”. When the car pulled in the driveway she was beside herself. Then Rich stepped out and asked her if she wanted to go for a ride. That short ride around south Lincoln made her decade!

– Philip Ristau Hawthorne
May 9, 2025

I worked with Rich at Crete. I enjoyed our end of shift chats. When I was struggling, he was there and became a friend. Of course, Rich never met a stranger. I would stand across from him at the end of my shift and enjoy chatting about most anything. I was so surprised when this big Marine shared my love for cats and kittens he. He was such a genuine soul. I had minor surgery and was so surprised Rich and Karen came to visit. Meant so much . I’ll miss sharing dad jokes with you on Facebook Rich. My prayers for you and your family.

– Susan Meyer

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