Robert Joseph Russell, Sr.

Robert J. “Bob” Russell Sr, 81 of Omaha, formerly of Grand Island, died Thursday, August 2, 2018 at The Heritage at Legacy, Omaha, NE.

Celebration of Life will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 10, 2018 at St, Mary’s Cathedral, Grand Island with the Rev. Richard Piontkowski officiating. Inurnment will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Island. The family will be greeting family and friends, 5-8 p.m. Thursday, August 9, 2018, at the Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island. with his parish family remembering him in prayer with the rosary recited at 6:00 p.m. Apfel Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date.

Robert Joseph Russell Sr. was born March 29, 1937 in Grand Island, Nebraska, the son of Raymond J. & Dora Marie (Matthiesen) Russell. Bob grew up and received his education in Grand Island, attending St. Mary’s Elementary School, Barr Junior High and Grand Island Senior High, graduating with the class of 1955.

He was united in marriage to Mary Lou Hindmarsh, March 4, 1957 in Wood River, NE. The couple made their home in Grand Island where he was employed by O.P. Skaggs. On March 30, 1964 Bob began his employment with Southern Nebraska Public Power District retiring as a field engineer, September 30, 1999. Bob recently moved to The Heritage at Legacy in Omaha, where he was known as “The Mayor of Heritage at Legacy”, (Bob never meet a stranger).

He was a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Grand Island and Platt Duetsche Society.

Those left to cherish his memory include two sons & daughters-in-law; Robert & Mary Pat Russell Jr. of Omaha, NE, Donald & Angie Russell of Lincoln, Nebraska, seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, brother, Richard Russell and special friend, Jeanie Spiehs of Grand Island, a nephew, Todd & Shelly Russell of Doniphan and a niece, Keri Russell of Livingston, Montana, Sisters-in-law, Rosemary Hindmarsh of Omaha, Alice Bellamy of Cairo, Marcia Hindmarsh of Fremont, California, brother-in-law & sister-in-law DeWayn & Betty Lewis of Omaha, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Mary Lou Russell, May 11, 2013.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.apfelfuneral home.com