Richard Francis Wassinger

RICHARD FRANCIS WASSINGER 1945 – 2024 Richard Francis Wassinger, age 79 of Plattsmouth, NE was born on January 8, 1945 in Grand Island, Nebraska to Benedict Phillip Wassinger and Lola Elizabeth (Life) Wassinger. He passed away on October 29, 2024 in The Villages, Florida. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a respected leader in his community. His life reflected unwavering commitments to family, faith, and service, leaving a legacy of love, dedication, and kindness that will be felt for generations. A graduate of Grand Island Central Catholic, Richard was a talented athlete and good student. He went on to serve his country in Vietnam. Upon return home, Richard attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he met Ruth Kristine Wassinger, his beloved wife of over 40 years. Together, they built a family grounded in compassion and faith, raising two children, Kristine and Andrew. Their partnership was marked by loyalty and joy, sustaining their family through life’s trials and celebrations until Ruth’s passing. In November of last year, Richard married Mary Siegel, his high school sweetheart, bringing renewed companionship and happiness into his life. Their union made his last year one of his most cherished, filled with the warmth of shared memories and new experiences. A proud husband, father and grandfather, Richard was deeply committed to his family. His dedication was evident in his unwavering support for his grandchildren, attending every game, play, and performance with boundless enthusiasm, creating treasured memories and exemplifying steadfast love. Initially, Richard was a teacher in the Plattsmouth school system with his wife Ruth. Later in his professional life, Richard served as the County Treasurer for Cass County, Nebraska, where he became a trusted and respected figure in public service. His involvement with the Nebraska Association of County Officials underscored his commitment to advancing county financial standards and supporting his peers statewide. Richard’s contributions to local governance were further recognized through a governor-appointed position under Governor Dave Heineman, a role that allowed him to shape policies benefitting communities across Nebraska. Richard’s devotion extended to his church community, where he served faithfully on the finance committee and in other roles. His dedication to stewardship and faith helped ensure the church’s stability and growth, supporting a space of spiritual refuge for many. Richard’s commitment to service—both in his professional life and through his church—demonstrated his belief in uplifting and caring for others. He is survived by his sister: Diana Buhrman and her husband Larry, sister-in-law: Arlene Wassinger, wife: Mary, his children: Kristine Placek and her husband Keith and Andrew Wassinger and his wife Erica. His legacy is most visible in his vibrant grandchildren Evelyn, Joseph, Sylvia, Isaiah, Carroll, and Snyder. Richards’s values will live on through the lives of his family and the communities he touched with his kind heart, deep faith, and dedication to service. He is preceded in death by his parents: Benedict and Lola Wassinger, his two brothers: Michael Wassinger and Benedict Wassinger, and his wife: Ruth Wassinger. There will be Visitations from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., with a Rosary at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at Church of the Holy Spirit in Plattsmouth. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M., on Friday, November 8, 2024 at Church of the Holy Spirit with Father Sean Timmerman officiating, Leo Sand as acolyte, Joseph Placek as lector, Terry Little as vocalist, and Laurie Hajek-Jones as organist. The Pallbearers will be Jeff Buhrman, John Gorman, Mike Petersen, Matthew Rinkenberger, Jeffrey Smith, and Steve Wassinger. His Final Resting Place will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Plattsmouth. There will be a luncheon following the burial at St. Johns the Baptist School Gymnasium. The family requests that any gifts are made to St. Johns the Baptist School. Please no flowers. Services are entrusted to Roby Funeral Home, 346 Ave. A, Plattsmouth, NE 68048. (402) 296-3123 robyfuneralhome.com.

Richard Francis Wassinger

January 8, 1945 - October 29, 2024