Russell Frederick Gerberding

Obit Russell Frederick Gerberding-82 of Deshler, NE

Kroll Funeral Home Deshler, NE 402-365-4441

Russell F. Gerberding of Deshler, NE, the son of Martin and Esther (Gerdes) Gerberding was born October 7, 1940 in Beatrice, NE. He departed this life Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at Parkview Haven Nursing Home in Deshler, NE at the age of 82 years.

Russ was baptized October 27, 1940 at St. Paul’s in Beatrice, and confirmed April 11, 1954 at Grace Lutheran Church in Hebron by Gilbert Meyer.

Russ grew up south of Hebron attending school and graduating from Hebron High School with the class of 1958. After graduating he attended Business College in Omaha, NE and sold insurance for a short time. Upon returning back to Hebron, he owned Russ’ Service Stations, one in downtown Hebron and the other on old highway 81. As a lifetime handyman and carpenter, he helped build farm buildings with RRR Rafters, while running the filling stations. Russ also enjoyed helping his dad in Rex Recreation pool hall. This is where he learned to play pool and became very skilled. He loved to compete and played in several pool tournaments throughout his life.

He married Marla Hinrichs on May 6, 1962 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Friedensau, NE. This union was blessed with the birth of two daughters, Gina and Shana.

Upon selling the filling stations, Russ and Marla moved to the farm north of Deshler along the Little Blue River, where he became a full time farmer and started building his cattle herd. Russ enjoyed go- kart racing and participating in demo derbies. He also loved horses, a passion he shared with his daughters and granddaughters. Sunday afternoons were spent taking his horse and buggy for a drive, and cattle drives with friends in the winter. He looked forward to spending time with friends on horseback, moving cows to stalk fields and gathering them in pastures. The family participated in parades, horse shows, team pennings, and gave many newly married couples horse and buggy rides to their wedding receptions. While farming and ranching full time, Russ also sold Jacques and DeKalb seed and made many friends by doing this. Later in life, he enjoyed his antique tractors and taking them on several antique tractor drives. Russ also owned Fas Break Windshield Repair and Replacement in which he enjoyed seeing and visiting with his customers. But most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and attending their activities.

He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Deshler, NE. He also served as the President of the Thayer County Feeders in 1988, was on the Thayer County Fair Board for 25 years, and was a 4-H Leader for over 25 years for the Little Blue 4-H Horse Club. He also rode his horse in the annual Pony Express Re-enactments for many years.

He is preceded in death by his parents Martin and Esther, parents-in-law, George and Marie (Hesse) Hinrichs, sister Rosella Lunzmann and husband Norman, brother-in-law Robert Finke, and brother-in-law Curtis Fintel.

He is survived by his wife Marla of Deshler, NE, two daughters; Gina Hudson and husband Bill of Belvidere, NE, and Shana Gerberding of Deshler, NE, grandchildren TaraLee Hudson of Lincoln, NE, JessaLynn Hudson of Belvidere, NE and Ethan Hudson of Newman Grove, NE, sister, Louisa Fintel of Deshler, NE, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Donna and Don Richardson of Belleville, KS, and nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. As well as the nursing and care staff at Parkview Haven, who were a mainstay in the last few years of his life.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 13, 2023 at Peace Lutheran Church in Deshler, NE at 3 PM. Officiant will be Pastor Joe Love, organist Julia Pohlmann, visitation will be held Sunday, February 12, 2023 from 2-5 PM with family present 2-4 PM. Casket bearers; Scott Finke, Greg Richardson, Travis Miller, Steve Meyer, Randy Hissong, Rod Watson, Ron Schmidt, and Kyle Lichty. Honorary casket bearers; Dave Warren, Dan Warren, Lyle Harris, Kent Carlson, Ron Krupicka, Dick Templin, Don Templin, Ralph McLaughlin, Vaughn Hinrichs and Marvin Schultis.

Memorials in care of Peace Lutheran Church. Condolences may be left at www.krollfh.com. Kroll Funeral Home of Deshler, NE is in charge of arrangements.

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