RUSSELL, George “Russ”

George “Russ” Russell Feb 14, 1932 – Apr 9, 2015 George “Russ” Russell was born three months early on Valentine’s Day 1932, weighing in at just three pounds. He grew up in South Omaha, attended West Side Grade School, and then went on to play football and run track at South High. After High School, he proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. When he finished Boot Camp in San Diego, he was on a boat bound for Korea. He served in the Third Battalion, Fifth Regiment, First Marine Division, 1950-1953. He was seriously wounded in action and sent to a hospital in Japan for treatment. Upon returning to the States, Russ worked briefly in the bank before joining the Omaha Fire Department in May of 1955. It was there that he met the beautiful feisty blonde that lived behind the fire station and who would become his bride. Cecilia “Cec” Michalak and Russ were married at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on November 10, 1956 (the birthday of the Marine Corps, so he wouldn’t forget). Within the Omaha Fire Department he advanced to the rank of Captain and retired in 1987. Russ and Cec were blessed with four children, two granddaughters and two great-granddaughters. Three months after the loss of their third son, his beloved Cec went to join the boys in Heaven. Until the last three weeks he visited the graves every day, bringing flowers to Cec and the boys. Now he has rejoined his family in Heaven. He was preceded in death by his beloved bride of 56 years, Cec; sons: Mark, Robbie and Doug; parents, James and Lillian; brother, Alexander; sister, Sylvia Sweeney. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Cyndi Russell; granddaughters, Beth and Lynn; great-granddaughters, Jayla and Shyanna; nieces and nephews; many wonderful friends. The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 15th, from 5pm to 7pm, with VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm, all at the West Center Chapel. SERVICES Thursday, April 16th at 11am, West Center Chapel. Interment, Calvary Cemetery with military honors by U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard and Benson VFW Post 2503. Memorials will be directed by the family.

HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER Mortuaries and Crematories 7805 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68124 (402) 391-3900

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