Russell Duane Burge

Russell Duane Burge was born January 28, 1955 in Omaha, Nebraska to Melvin Lloyd and Mary Ann (Schwasinger) Burge. He grew up in Omaha, where he attended Edison Grade School, and graduated from Burke High School in 1974. As a young boy, Russell was active in Cub Scouts, the ROTC, and had an interest in tropical fish. Russell served two tours of duty in the United States Navy. He first enlisted in February 1977, and was finally honorably discharged in August 1987, holding the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class. He served most of his duty as a cook, and was very proud to have served his country. Russell was a lifelong bachelor, but he stayed active with many different organizations and memberships. He was a member of the Benson VFW Post #2503, American Legion Post #1, Forty and Eight, and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of a 12 step program for many years. Russell enjoyed cooking, gardening, coin collecting, and stamp collecting. He liked the color red, and was an avid Nebraska Cornhuskers fan. He was a country music fan, and his favorite song was “Wild Fire” by Michael Murphy. He was content to spend time riding his bicycle, and was always ready for a meal at Church Street Café in Valley, or Anthony’s Steakhouse in Omaha. He could often be heard saying “whatever”, “What’s up dude/dudette?”, or “Easy does it”. He didn’t take kindly to people being tardy, or being disrespectful of others. He will be remembered as a giving, punctual, holy, humble, and independent man, who never gave up in the face of intimidation, and a man who was patriotic, and loved spending time with his family. Russell passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 28, 2013 at his home in Valley, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Ann Burge and sister Sheryl Lee Burge. Russell is survived by his brothers: Keith & his wife Maggie of Waterloo, NE, and Steve “Grizz” Burge of Drumright, OK, sister Karen Lucht of Gretna, NE, father Melvin Burge of Plattsmouth, NE, and many nieces and nephews. Russell D. Burge, age 58, of Valley, NE, died 7/28/13. Preceded in death by mother Mary Ann Burge and sister Sheryl Burge. Survived by brothers: Keith & wife Maggie of Waterloo, NE, and Steve “Grizz” Burge of Drumright, OK, sister Karen Lucht of Gretna, NE, father Melvin Burge of Plattsmouth, NE, many nieces and nephews. Funeral service Saturday, 8/3/13 11 AM at the funeral home. Interment Prospect Hill Cemetery, Elkhorn, with military honors by American Legion Post 1. Visitation 3-8 PM with the family receiving friends from 6-8 PM. Memorials to the family, to be distributed to several of Russell’s favorite charities.

Russell Duane Burge

January 28, 1955 - July 28, 2013