Robert J. Russell

CURTIS -- Robert J. Russell, 77, died Friday (Feb. 21, 2003) at his home in Curtis.

He was born April 22, 1925, north of Curtis, to Benjamin and Ellen Jensen Russell. He graduated from the Nebraska School of Agriculture in 1944.

He entered the U.S. Army in September 1944 and served until November 1946. He was wounded during the battle of Okinawa and received the Purple Heart.

On Aug. 1, 1948, he married Adella Lela Bruce at Curtis. He worked as maintenance supervisor at the University of Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis for 33 years. He also ran a shoe repair business for a time in Curtis.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Curtis, the Good Sam's Camping Club, the Second Chance Good Sam's and the American Legion Post No. 95 of Curtis. He and his wife, Lela, participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics for 15 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Randy; and one sister, June McGinnis.

Survivors include his wife, Lela of Curtis; two sons, Gene Russell of Moorefield and Ken and wife, Dori Russell of Curtis; two daughters, Sheila and husband, Roger Fink and Carol and husband, Tom Brown, all of Curtis; three sisters, Elenita Anderson of Moorefield, Fern and husband, Deac Wills of Curtis and Anna Mae and husband, Dick Gorley of Mount Airy, N.C.; three brothers, Tom and wife, Virginia Russell of Kearney, Ben and wife, Darlene Russell of Moline, Ill., and Ray and wife, Donna Russell of Lone Tree, Colo.; two sisters-in-law, Marge Bruce of Grant and Mary Rucker of North Platte; one brother-in-law, Jim McGinnis of Omaha; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Services will be Monday, 2 p.m., at the United Methodist Church in Curtis with the Rev. Rick Sykes officiating. Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell with graveside military honors by the American Legion Post No. 95 of Curtis.

Visitation will be Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the American Legion Post No. 95 of Curtis or the Area Senior Center of Curtis.

Blase Wetzel Funeral Home of Curtis is in charge of arrangements.