A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Russell Edeal will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) at the Edeal family farm, 44301 Drive 759, Overton, Nebraska, 68863, with Pastor Bill Pavuk officiating. A lunch for all will follow the service. 

A private inurnment will be held prior to the Celebration of Life at the Overton Cemetery, east of Overton, Nebraska.

Russell Dean Edeal, a longtime resident of Loomis, Nebraska, passed away peacefully with his family’s comforting presence, on September 19, 2024, in Lenexa, Kansas at the age of 85. A man deeply committed to his community and family, Russell leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and dedication.

Russell was born on August 20, 1939, the eldest of five children born to Dean and Arlene (Pullen) Edeal. Russell attended Rural School District #21 through eighth grade and graduated from Lexington High School in 1957. During his youth he was active in 4-H, FFA, sports and worked on the family farm. He attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where he was a letterman on the football team, a member of FarmHouse Fraternity, tackled into the Innocents Society, and graduated with a B.S. in Technical Science and Animal Husbandry in 1961. While at UNL, Russell met the love of his life, Kathryn “Kay” Stute, and they were united in marriage on June 16, 1962, in Haigler, Nebraska. Russ and Kay built their home and raised their family north of Loomis, NE where they lived for 60 years. As parents, they were blessed with four children: Alan, David, Mary, and Stuart. 

Russell spent his life devoted to farming, natural resource conservation and community leadership. He was a successful grain producer since 1961, cultivating alfalfa, corn, and soybeans. Alongside his farming, Russell was an independent Amway business owner in partnership with his wife Kay, earning the prestigious title of Emerald Award status. His leadership impacted hundreds of farmers and business owners across the United States.

Russell's passion for community service was evident throughout his life. He provided leadership for numerous organizations, including serving on the Tri Basin Natural Resources District for over 34 years, President of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts, Chairman of the Nebraska Water Conference Council, the Phelps County Community Foundation Board, the Farm Bureau Resource Committee, the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce and the Holdrege Tassel Coordination Council. His influence extended into healthcare as well, with his involvement in the Phelps Memorial Health Center Board of Trustees, where he held the role of Chairman, and serving on University of Nebraska Medical Center Board of Counselors.

In 2021, Russell was presented the Nebraska Master Conservationist of the Year Award for a life of excellence in the use of sound conservation practices to preserve Nebraska’s precious soil and water resources for generations to come. 

In addition to his professional and community work, Russell was a dedicated member of the ELCA Lutheran Church. He served on the Church Council and taught Sunday School classes for several years. His faith and values were integral to his life.

Russell was a devoted father and grandfather. He set an example of a strong work ethic, loyalty, acceptance, respect, and commitment for his family and was supportive in his children's activities. In addition to being a wonderful father, later in life his grandchildren became his pride and joy. Russ prioritized spending time attending his grandchildren’s sports, music, dance, and various activities.  

A protector and provider, Russ had a keen sense for finding areas needing improvement wherever he went. If something appeared to have a problem, he didn’t delay in finding a way to fix the situation. 

Outside of work, Russell loved gardening, playing cards, and traveling with Kay on numerous Amway award trips. He also enjoyed time with his family, friends, and attending sporting events. His passion for sports led him to a long career as a referee and umpire, officiating football, basketball, baseball, and softball games from 1965 to 1998.

Russ had a quiet, calm and patient personality. He fostered relationships by listening to what others wanted to share, encouraging them with thoughtful questions, and using humor to put them at ease. 

Russell was diagnosed with liver cancer in May of 2024. He bravely lived his final months amid the challenges presented. He will be remembered for his service to the community, his loyalty to conserving the earth’s resources, and his devotion to his family. Russ will be dearly missed by his family, friends and all who were blessed to know him.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Alan Dean Edeal; his parents: Dean and Arlene Edeal; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alfred and Mary Stute; a sister, Karen Kander; a sister-in-law, Bonnie Hansen; and two brothers-in-law:  Royce Stute; and Dennis Schroeder.

Russell is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kay Edeal of Shawnee, Kansas; their children:  David Edeal and wife, Sarah of Lenexa, Kansas; Mary Reimers and husband, Jeremy of Timnath, Colorado; and Stuart Edeal and wife, Diane of Mendota Heights, Minnesota; eight grandchildren:  Julia, William, Lauren, and Nathan Edeal; Taylor Morgan and husband, Corey of Kearney, Nebraska, and Emily and Grace Reimers; and Frank Edeal; his brothers: Brian Edeal and wife, Teri of Overton; and Arlin Edeal and wife, Jean of Johnson Lake, Nebraska; a sister, Eldeana Boals and husband, Randy of Sutton, Nebraska; a brother-in-law, Robert Kander of Brainerd, Minnesota; sister-in-law Alfreda Schroeder of Aurora, Colorado; brother-in-law Tim Hansen of Cozad, Nebraska; and sister-in-law Marsha Stute of Littleton, Colorado; along with many extended relatives and friends. 

A Family Greeting and Memorial Book Signing time will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska, with the family present.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests donations to: Phelps County Community Foundation; to Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church in Holdrege; or to Loomis Volunteer Fire & Rescue.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.