Russell G. Hans was born Nov. 28, 1941, in Seward, to Gilbert and Thelma (Reynolds) Hans and passed away peacefully Dec. 5, 2025, in Seward at the age of 84 years.
Russell grew up in Seward County, where he attended Seward High School, graduating with the class of 1959. He worked for the City of Seward as a lineman and equipment operator and served in the Army from 1964-65. After his return, he married JoAnne Masur, on Jan. 15, 1966, at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Central City. They were blessed with children, Brenda, Janelle, Brad and Pamela.
Russell spent much of his career as a service technician doing work for the City of Seward, Lee’s Appliance, Schaefer’s, and Black Hills Energy. For 13 years, he owned and operated his own business, Russell’s Appliance Sales and Service. He was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Church, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Knights of Columbus, and a proud Member of the Seward Volunteer Fire Department.
Russell enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and telling stories. He enjoyed time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was well-known for his chocolate chip cookies, coney sauce, roll-ups, pancakes and homemade ice cream. He rarely went anywhere that he didn’t know someone.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife, JoAnne Hans of Seward; children and spouses, Brenda (Chris) Janak of Brainard, Janelle (Mark) Schuttler of Omaha, Brad (Tiffanie) of Lincoln, and Pamela (Glen) Hochstein of Seward; grandchildren, Matthew (Fiancé – Maddie), Michael, and Meagan Janak; Grant (Fiancé – Julia), Jared, Delaney Schuttler; Austin (Haley), Colton (Ashlyn), Christian (Kati), Landon, Kathryn, Ryan, Owen, Allison, and Nolan Hans; Mitchell, Nathan, and Dylan Hochstein; great-grandchildren, Grayson, Camden, Lincoln, Noah, Benjamin, Alayna, Alora, and Aaliyah; and sisters in-law, MaryAnn Hans and Elaine Schuster.
Russell is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roger; sister, Mary and husband Larry Evans; brothers-in-law, Orville Schuster and Melvin Masur; and sister-in-law, Joann Masur.
A gathering of family and friends will be Tuesday, Dec. 9, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Committal will follow with full military honors provided at the Seward Cemetery.
Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.
