HASTINGS — Russell Harry Burbach, 64, passed away December 21, 2011 at the Mary Lanning Memorial Health Care in Hastings.
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Russell was born to Harry and Ella (Grasmick) Burbach April 25, 1947 in Scottsbluff and  grew up and attended elementary school at Lake Alice north of Scottsbluff and High School at Scottsbluff where he graduated with the class of 1965.

He attended the Western College at Scottsbluff and majored in Criminal Justice. On May 17, 1966, Russell entered the United States Army in Denver, CO. He served with the 520th Quartermaster Company at Fort Lee, Va.  He received the Rifle Sharp Shooter Badge, the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably released from active duty May 17. 1968, at Fort Lee, Va.

Russell was united in marriage to Joan (Graf) Schroder Oct. 13, 1989, in Holdrege, NE.   He was employed as a master carpenter, as a plumber, and most recently as a medical clinic technician in maintenance and repair, and was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Russell is survived by his wife Joan, brother, Ralph Burbach (Jeanetta) of Gering; sister-in-law, Carlene Burbach of Fallon, Mont.; step-daughters, Lisa Thelen (John) of Olathe, KS and Gail Jo Hierholzer of Corsicana, TX; sisters-in-law, Marcia Foose (Larry) of Lovettsville, VA and Sally Hanna (Lonny) of Alma, NE, brother-in-law, Jay Graf (Susan) of Alma; step-grandchildren, Sydni Wessels, Aaron and Allison Hierholzer and Charlotte and Grant Thelen and numerous relatives and friends.

Preceding Russell in death were his parents; brother, Roger Burbach; stepson, Stuart Schroder; and step-grandson, Clay Wessels.