Bruce David Schweda, Lawrence, was born August 29, 1949 in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Frank August Schweda and Margaret Oakley Schweda. He graduated Lawrence High School in 1967 and joined the Navy shortly after. When Bruce completed his service, he returned to Lawrence and worked at Hallmark Cards. Bruce was one of the lucky ones who was able to retire at the youthful age of 55.
Bruce was an avid hunter, passionate harmonica player, and enthusiastic F-Word user. His colorful and filter-free wit kept everyone on his or her toes. While Bruce wasn’t protecting Lawrence from an over-population of wild animals, he enjoyed watching American Idol, spending time with his five grandchildren, and reading any book on Star Wars (although he did morbidly joke that he was a happy that he wouldn’t live to see Disney butcher their planned Star Wars movie).
Bruce was survived by his son, Kenneth Schweda-Stoskopf, Ken’s husband, Evan, Ken’s ex-wife Jennifer Schweda, and their three children, Maddie, Tristan, and Hayley, Bruce’s daughter, Kristi Schweda-Rojas, her husband, Juan, and their two children, Elizabeth and Frank, the love of Bruce’s life and long time girlfriend, Melody Ash, Bruce’s older brother, Brian Schweda, and his five children, Katie, Chris, Brandon, Faith, and Eric, Bruce’s late older brother Frank’s five children, Jeff, Marvin, Mary Anne, Tom, Cheryl, and Bruce’s ex-wife Helen Schweda.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and brother Oakley.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Bruce’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in care of the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS 66044.
The thing I loved the most about Bruce was his sense of humor. He looked rough on the outside but once you got to know him, you realized that he was really one of the sweetest people in the world. You are missed Brucie!!! Elizabeth (5) and Frank (3) miss their grumpy but know that you are with Jesus in heaven. It was a privilege to be your son in law….Love you “bastard” :)!!!!
I grew up and was lucky enough to have Bruce as my friend. Spent a lot of time together hunting and fishing during High School. Later worked at Hallmark Cards in Lawrence at the same time he did. He definitely was a person who had a zest for life. I will never forget the times we spent together and the things we learned together. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in Peace Bruce. Steve
Oh man I miss him. I am thankful for the opportunity to get to know his family, Love you all and praying for ya all. Even you Evan. My heart aches for you all and the lost of my dear friend.
Hugs and KISSES for the kissest family I ever have seen.
Met Bruce through my daughter, Melodie Ash. Bruce will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He always had a great way to make things funny!!!! Bob and Karen Yunghans
Our deepest condolences to Bruce’s family. He was an unforgettable and much loved member of our musical family which will never be the same without him. We know everyone who had the opportunity to jam with him feels the same. We love you brother.
We would like to send our condolences to the family of Bruce Schweda we’ve lived right next door to him ever since his parents were still alive. Sorry for your loss.
The Pickel’s (the next door neighbors)
I am so sorry to hear that “Buffalo Bruce” has passed! My heart goes out to his family and to the family of friends and jammers that I was honored to be a part of. Blue 88 jams at Shorthorn’s were always good, but so much better when Bruce was there!
My deepest sympathies to family and friends. Bruce was a good friend and he will be missed always. God bless.
I’ve only known Bruce about a year and a half, and met him at the Knuckleheads jams. Even though our acquaintance was brief, I really enjoyed his sense of humor, his zest for life, and the fact that he was the most politically incorrect human I’ve ever known. The rest of us will have to step our game big time to fill in that gap a little. He was a great guy and will be greatly missed. His family will be in my prayers.
I jammed with Bruce for years at Knuckleheads before really getting to know him when we both went to Memphis and later on the blues cruise as roommates. He became a person I was glad to call a friend and I was privledged to spend those times with him. I’ll miss him dearly and those Saturday jams at Knuckleheads will just flat never be the same. RIP, buddy.
To the Schweda family. You are in our thoughts, and prayers. I sure am gonna miss the old turkey/deer hunter. He has done a lot for me, and my aunt Elsie. He loved to mow the grass, and when my wife took over the mowing, he would always insist on coming out to weed eat. He loved to visit with my aunt, and that is why I had him be a ballbear for my aunt and uncle. He was a good man and will be missed. God bless you all.
I met Brucey through Melodie. He sparked the room with laughter and fun. Our lives will always be blessed with his love and shenanigans!Peace be with you.Jules
I spent many a Saturday afternoon hanging out at Knuckleheads with Bruce and summer Sunday nights at Shorthorns jammin’ and laughin’. Rest in peace my friend.
My thoughts go out the family. Miss ya already, Brother!
Kenny and Evan so sorry to hear about Bruce, my heart goes out to both of you and the kids,
I was sure sorry to hear about Bruce’s illness and passing. I worked with Bruce in LDC out at Hallmark, and he kept everyone on their toes, but made a special effort to keep management wondering just what he was up to. He was one of a kind and will be missed.
Sorry for your loss. Bruce was a lot of fun to be around. He was an important part of our dysfunctional family of Knucklehead Jammers.
Worked with Bruce at Hallmark. He was such a fun character. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers for the family he’s left behind.
MY THOUGHT”S AND PRAYERS ARE WITH BRUCE’S FAMILY. I WORKED WITH BRUCE FOR MANY YEARS AT HALLMARKS. HE WAS ALWAYS FUN TO BE AROUND AND HIS SENSE OF HUMOR WAS “ENJOYABLE”. HE WAS A GOOD AND CARING MAN,HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. MARY.