Brian Joseph Russell
October 9, 1980 – March 13, 2023
Brian Joseph Russell, age 42, passed away on March 13, 2023, after a sudden, and as yet unknown medical emergency. He is survived by his sisters, Terese (Larry) Koubsky and Natalie (Ben) Peterson; niece and nephews: Gunnar, Henrik, & Anneliese Peterson, James & Josef Koubsky; uncle, Greg (Cathy) Pamperin; aunts, Pat (Jim) McGrath, Mary (Rick) McIllece; many cousins; father, Jeffrey Russell of Las Vegas. Also left behind is his partner, Alicia Ziemba, whom he loved very much.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Georgene Russell.
Brian was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on October 9, 1980. He played football and graduated from Bellevue East High School in 1999. After high school, he attended Truman University in Missouri for a year before enlisting in the Nebraska Air National Guard. He was activated in support of Operation Eagle/Operation Enduring Freedom and deployed overseas for a year before returning to complete his degree in political science at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He continued to work full-time at the Air National Guard base in Lincoln for several years before starting his electrical apprenticeship at D&J Electric in Omaha. He was licensed as a Journeyman electrician in 2017, and he was inducted into IBEW Local 22 in September 2019. He was employed at Miller Electric at the time of his death.
Brian met his partner, Alicia Ziemba, in 2019. It was heartwarming to see how happy they were together.
Brian was a loving uncle to his niece and nephews, and he was generous with his time for them. As they have gotten older, he shared video games with the kids, and he enjoyed talking about computer builds and politics with the oldest boys. Brian was a kind and devoted son and helped care for our mother during her long illness. We graciously acknowledge that although she loved each of her children very much, Brian was, in fact, her favorite child.
VISITATION: Sunday, March 19th, 2pm, followed by 3pm SERVICE, West Center Chapel. To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Memorials are suggested to ‘Fallen Brothers,’ which provides financial assistance to the families of Local 22 members that pass away. Fallen Brothers, c/o IBEW Local 22, 8946 L Street, Omaha, NE 68127
5 Comments
Clark and I knew Brian through our dear niece Alicia, his partner. Brian gave us advice and helped us with some electrical work. Brian was so kind to Alicia’s parents: my brother Ted as his health was failing and to Janet, Ted’s wife. Brian was so generous with his time and had many skills which were valued to all who knew him. When visiting Ted and Janet, or other family functions, Brian always sat close to Alicia, often with his arm around her. Alicia, Terese, Natalie, and all his family, we are so, so sorry for your loss. Brian was a special man, a really good guy.
I had the privilege of going to high school with Natalie and Brian. Brian is the type of guy that you knew then, the type of man he would become today. Funny, smart, always smiling, always a gentleman. I am very sorry for your loss.
I will always remember the curly dark haired boy coming over to our house to play and eating all our candy we had in the house. Though he wasn’t’ with us long enough, he brought us many smiles..Celebrating all the days that were brighter because Brian was here..
Only saw Brian a very few times when he was still a young man living at home with his parents. Our prayer, above all, is that he knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior so that he could enter into an eternity of joy. We grieve the loss of family or friends when they pass from this earth but when we know they have made Christ Jesus their blessed hope and become a child of the Most High, our grief is tempered, knowing they shall live in the House of the Lord forever.
Always good talking with Brian when crossing paths on the jobsite’s. Prayers to family.
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