Russel R. Iwan

Russel R. Iwan

June 20, 1959 – June 11, 2022

Preceded in death by parents, Anton “Tony” and JoAnn Iwan.  Survived by wife, Renee; son, Justin (Nicole); daughters, MiKayla (Michael) Ford and Kylie (Jeffrey) Chesnut; grandchildren: Alexander “AJ” Iwan, Avarie Ford and Calloway Chesnut; sisters: Michele (Dan) Ferris, Jackie (John) Blum, and Becky (Jeff) Talbott; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ray and Kris Chlupacek and Janice and Jay Totusek; many nieces and nephews

Russ made the best of the hand he was dealt, both in life and in his love of playing cards. With his unwavering faith in God, family and friends by his side, Russ overcame a devastating diagnosis of stage 4 non-hodgkins lymphoma. Some call it a miracle, others call it the power of prayer.

Russ never knew the word “no” when it came to helping those around him. He dedicated his life to helping others and served in numerous committees and organizations. He loved his wife (his bride) and kids immensely, coaching his children in the early years of their sports lives and always being there to lean on as they grew older. He traveled across the world with his wife and always made it a point to compliment her home cooked meals. He was a true family man.

In the warmer months, he could be found every weekend with extended family at their family cabin, specifically in the garage playing a game of cards with the sounds of sports on the tv in the background. Like the true Husker fan that he was, he made sure no game went unheard. No conversations were had either, while the game was on, he was only listening to it on his portable transistor radio. We will truly miss this humble, sweet, kind man. In his favorite saying to all, “Live Long and Prosper.”

VIGIL SERVICE: Monday, June 20th, 6:30pm at the West Center Chapel with VISITATION starting at 5pm.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, June 21st, 10am at St. Columbkille Catholic Church (200 E. 6th Street).  Interment: St. John Cemetery

Memorials are suggested to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

 

15 Comments

  • Butch Kirkland Posted June 14, 2022 9:29 pm

    Great man, true American. I feel privileged to have called him a friend.

  • Janice Butler Posted June 15, 2022 10:16 am

    Renee prayers 🙏🏾 are with you and your family. We’re glad to have known such a sweet and kind man. Rest in peace.

  • Lisa Lackovic Posted June 15, 2022 5:40 pm

    He did live large and prosper from the love of God .family and friends . You will be missed Russell May…♥️ Bobby Lack and Lisa Do..

  • Wendy & Bob Synowicki Posted June 15, 2022 6:37 pm

    Though we haven’t seen Russ in a couple of years, we always knew him to be a gentle man of kindness & faith and a Victor over cancer who inspired us and so many others touched by cancer. May he Rest in Peace by the mercy of God with the faithful departed and intercede for all who love him until you’re reunited at Jesus’ feet on a day that never ends~
    With Deepest Sympathy,

  • Jeff Sterba Posted June 15, 2022 6:52 pm

    Russ was a true friend from childhood and he made me feel part of the family. The passing of time didn’t matter as we could always pick up where we left off. While I cannot be there for the services, Russ, Renee and all the family have my prayers!

  • Beth Riedmann Posted June 15, 2022 6:54 pm

    Russ was such a special loVing man. Knew him since we were little kids, playing at Hanson Lakes and getting into trouble with his and my siblings. God bless him and may he Rest In Peace.. XOXO

  • Beth Riedmann Posted June 15, 2022 6:59 pm

    Russ was a very special loving man. Knew hIm since we were kids playing at Hanson Lakes and getting into trouble with his and my siblings. He will be dearly missed. God bless him and may he Rest In Peace..

  • Randy & Patty Mastin Posted June 15, 2022 8:45 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. Russ has been a great blessing in many lives. We send prayers of comfort and love to all who are close to him, Renee and the family.

  • KC Halpine Ron Rubin Posted June 15, 2022 10:15 pm

    Thanks

  • Jennie Roman Posted June 17, 2022 9:03 pm

    Russ always greeted me with a great smile & Hi Jennie!! He was the first person to take me fishing at the lake, when I was 13. He was a silent fighter, full of heart and kindness & always a true inspiration for anyone who knew him.
    My heart goes out to you all. My thoughts & prayers are going out to you & your whole family. ♥️

  • Tom & Lori Szalewski Posted June 18, 2022 12:44 pm

    Russ was truly one of kindest humans ever! Condolences to the entire family! Prayers for peace!

  • Carole Patrick Posted June 19, 2022 8:08 pm

    Very sad to hear of your death, but celebrating the life of an amazing man. I appreciate the guidance, leadership, and encouragement Russ provided on the Board of Directors for VNA and Easterseals Nebraska.

  • Julie Arauza DeGraffenreid Posted June 19, 2022 10:04 pm

    Can’t imagine the immeasurable pain and grief you have. Prayers are the only thing I and others can offer. God bless you and your family.

  • Cheryl Mace Posted June 20, 2022 11:43 am

    Our Sympathy to all of Russ’s family. What a great guy gone to soon. Loved our time in the neighborhood and at the cabin. RIP Russell Do❤️

  • Michael Rishel-Young Posted February 16, 2023 10:46 pm

    My Sympathy goes out to all of Russ’s family at this time. What a great guy gone way too soon. As Russ was always, a true friend from my childhood until I entered the United States Military, and when I seen him again after my retirement from the United States Military in adulthood. The passing of time did not matter as we could always pickup some type of conversation we had with each other where left off. He will be dearly missed God Bless Him, and May He Rest In Peace. All of the family is in my prayers, and will continue to be.

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