Russell Allen Genung

Obit Russell Allen Genung-80 of Deshler, NE

Kroll Funeral Home Deshler, NE 402-365-4441

Russell Allen Genung of Deshler, NE the son of David and Olive (Gardiner) Genung was born May 26, 1938 in North Platte, NE. He departed this life Sunday, January 6, 2019 at Blue Valley Lutheran Nursing Home in Hebron, NE at the age of 80 years.He was baptized at the Presbyterian Church in Nelson, Ne and confirmed July 17, 2005 at St Peter Lutheran Church in Deshler by Pastor Kurt VanFossan.

Russ attended grade school in Oak, NE and graduated from Nelson High School with the class of 1956.

He furthered his education attending Fairbury Junior College in Fairbury, NE at the Teachers College at Kearney. He taught at Wood River High School for one year before deciding to go into the construction business.

He entered the United States Army November 8, 1956 and was honorably discharged November 30, 1958.

Russ married Janet Crossland June 3, 1968. This union was blessed with three children.

He worked as a pharmaceutical representative for Blue Cross Serum from 1971 to 1980. He then went to work for Fort Dodge Laboratories until his retirement.

After retirement, Russ did volunteer work at Mary Lanning Hospital, Children’s Advocacy Center, Kansas State School for the Blind, National Wildlife Refuges in Santa Ana and Anahuac, TX, Hidalgo County, TX. At the refuges he built observation piers, banding geese and maintenance. He volunteered at the Nuckolls County Historical Society and was a lifelong member serving as secretary. Russ was a member of the Nebraska Chapter of the Oregon-California Trails Association, serving as president, Nebraska Historical Society, Audubon Nebraska and Izaac Walton League. He was also active in marking the Pony Express, Morman and various other historical trails in Nebraska and Kansas.

On April 5, 2003 he married Donna Dondlinger at St. Peter Church with Pastor Duane Fahr officiating. They made their home in Deshler. They enjoyed spending their winters in Texas, camping, fishing, traveling, and playing cards. His high light was a trip to Abu Dhabi to visit his son and family and Texas visiting his daughter, and watching his granddaughter’s ice skating competitions, and traveling to Pennsylvania to attend Russ’s grandson’s wedding. Most of all spending time with his blended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Janet Mumma and husband Chuck sister-in-law Donnis Genung.

He is survived by his wife Donna of Deshler, sons; Brian Genung and wife Ingela of Seattle, WA, David Genung and wife Andrea of Warren, PA, Todd Dondlinger and wife Nancy of Lincoln, NE, Russell Dondlinger and wife Jo of Rowlette, TX, daughters; Linda Svoboda and husband Tim of Grand Prairie, TX, Robin Falleur and husband Chris of Fort Smith, AR, and Rita Dondlinger of Lincoln, NE, grandchildren Matt Genung and wife Samantha, Natalie and Morgan Genung, Ella Svoboda, Lizzie Weisenfels and husband Joe, Tyler and Jake Falleur, Charlene and Taylor Dondlinger, great-grandchildren; Blake and Layla Genung and Laney Weisenfels, sister Gwen Johnson and husband Gayle of Davenport, NE, brother Gene Genung of Superior, NE, sisters-in-law Verna Brandt and husband Lester of Friend, NE, Norma Walker of Winfield, AL, Lila Honeycutt of Haven, KS, nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday, January 12, 2019 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Deshler at 10:30AM. Officiant Brian Francik, organist Anita Harms, “Amazing Grace”, and “How Great Thou Art”, recorded selection “Come Home, Come Home Its Supper Time”, memorials in care of the family. Condolences may be left at www.krollfh.com. Casket bearers; Matt Genung, Taylor Dondlinger, Russell Dondlinger, Todd Dondlinger, Chris Falleur, and Tim Svoboda. Burial will be in Deshler City Cemetery with military honors by Thayer County American Legion Posts. Kroll Funeral Home of Deshler is in charge of arrangements.

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