Richard died peacefully on September 24, 2026, in Gretna, Nebraska, at the age of 73.

Born on April 9, 1953, Richard’s life was shaped by learning, steady work, and a gentle faith that remained with him throughout the years. He was educated in Columbus, Nebraska, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. He taught math in Goodland, Kansas, and Schleswig, Iowa, sharing his knowledge in classrooms where numbers became part of his daily calling. He also worked for Rystrom Engineering as a draftsman and land surveyor, bringing care and precision to that work as well.

Richard was a man of quiet kindness, remembered as gentle spirit, with a fondness for bad dad jokes, a warm greeting, and a welcoming smile. He enjoyed the simple and lasting comforts of reading, Husker sports, and oldies music, especially songs by the Bee Gees and the Beach Boys. His personal faith was a steady thread throughout his life, and First United Methodist Church in Columbus was among the places that mattered to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Betty Rystrom, and his stepmother, Carol Rystrom. He is survived by his sister, Marcy (Scott) Wilson; stepsister Julie Berger; stepbrother Jay (Denise) Young; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends

Cremation arrangements are through Aspen, with burial at Columbus Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to Dreamweaver Foundation, Omaha, Nebraska, or Suncrest Hospice, Omaha, Nebraska.

Richard Alvin Rystrom will be remembered in a warm smile, a bad joke and a friendly hello, probably with a Go Big Red thrown in.

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