Russell D.Stutzman, 85, of Chappell, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 28, 2011 at the Sedgwick County Health Services in Julesburg, Colorado.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, March 4, 2011 in the Chappell United Methodist Church with Pastor Ezekiel Koech officiating. Burial will follow in the Chappell Cemetery with military honors.
Memorials have been established to the Chappell United Methodist Church or Sedgwick County Health Services.
Friends may call from 1:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the Holechek Funeral Home in Chappell.
Russell Dale Stutzman was born October 16, 1925 in Chappell, Nebraska to Frank and Elizabeth (Yoder) Stutzman.
After attending Chappell schools, he entered the Armed Forces in May of 1944 and served in combat infantry in the European Theatre of World War II. Following his discharge, he returned to the Chappell area where remained until his death.
He was united in marriage to Norma Jean Rabe on May 22, 1947. They were blessed with three children.
His interests included family, reading, woodworking, gardening, solving crossword puzzles and spending time outdoors. He also enjoyed his morning and afternoon coffee times with friends at Burgies. Russell touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity, and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end.
Russell is survived by his three children: Roxie and Del Stork of Lincoln, Nebraska; Ernie and Vickie Stutzman of Roy, Utah; Les and Shirley Stutzman of Ovid, Colorado; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, one brother and his beloved wife of 52 years.
Holechek Funeral Home and Cremations in Chappell is serving the Stutzman family.