Russell Allan Vlach

Russell A. Vlach, 54, of Grand Island died Thursday, September 11, 2014 at Wedgewood Care Center in Grand Island.

Services will be at 10 am on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island. Interment will be at Cedarview Cemetery in Doniphan. Visitation will be on Monday, September 15, 2014, from 6 to 8 pm at Apfel Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date. Apfel Funeral Home is serving the family.

Russell Allan Vlach was born on January 16, 1960 in Grand Island, the son of George A. and Charlotte A. (Semple) Vlach. Russ grew up in Grand Island and attended Grand Island Public Schools.

Russ was united in marriage to LeeAnn Hardenbrook on March 27, 1982 in Grand Island. Russ lived in Grand Island and worked for Nitro Construction and Chief Industries. Russ was involved in an ATV accident in June of 1987. He suffered severe head and brain injuries that required him to live in numerous assisted living facilities over the years. Russ truly enjoyed his time at Precious Times in Grand Island, the last facility he had lived at, under the care of his close friend Jeanie Cooper.

Russ rode bulls and won many awards at small town rodeos around the area. He enjoyed dancing, and especially socializing and making new friends.

Russ is survived by a daughter and son-in-law; Katie and Josh Kuck of Grand Island, his parents; George and Connie Vlach of Grand Island, four grandchildren, two brothers and sisters-in-law; Marty and Mikki Vlach of Grand Island and Lee and Melody Vlach of Republican City, NE, and a sister and brother-in-law; Shannon and Scott Smelker of Stratton, CO.

He is preceded in death by an infant brother; Mark Lane Vlach, his mother Charlotte Vlach and his grandparents.

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