Memorial Services for Russell Barelmann, age 85, of Chambers, Nebraska will be 11:00 am Friday, March 6, 2020 at Bethany Presbyterian Church in rural Chambers with Pastor Dean Seger officiating.  Burial will be at 3:30 pm Friday, at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, north of Wisner, Nebraska.  Memorial Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Thursday, March 5, 2020 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a 7 pm prayer service.  Russell passed away, Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.  Memorials may be directed to Bethany Presbyterian Church or to the Holt County Farm Bureau Scholarship fund.  Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill is in charge of arrangements.

Russell Bernard Barelmann was born on December 8, 1934 in Wayne County, Nebraska to Bernard and Evelyn (Marx) Barelmann.   On June 9, 1935 he was baptized at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wisner, NE.  He went to elementary school at Rural District 32 in Wayne County.  Russell graduated from Wisner Public School in 1952.

In May of 1953, he married Valedine Koehler.  To this union 3 sons were born; Scott, Mark, and Brian.  They later divorced and in May of 1964, he married Sharon Glines in Ogallala, NE.  Russell and Sharon had one daughter, Pamela.  Sharon passed away on December 27, 2011.

Russell resided on a farm and ranch in Holt County where he farmed his ground.   In 1984, he moved into town in Chambers, NE.

He was active in many organizations including; Toastmasters International, National Rifle Association Benefactor; Mc Clare Township Board, Rural School Board and Holt County Farm Bureau; where he held many leadership positions.

Russell became a member of the Bethany Presbyterian Church by letter of transfer in 1958. On April 11, 2001 he became a Lay Pastor of the Presbyterian Church.  He served as a commissioned Lay Pastor in the Loop Valley Parish, consisting of the churches in Loup City and Ord.  In 2011, Russell retired due to health reasons.

Russell enjoyed researching genealogy, traveling with friends, and hunting prairie chicken in his younger years.  He loved spending time with his family especially his children and great-grandchildren.

Russell is survived by his children; Scott (Randi) Barelmann of Blue Springs, MO, Mark (Tammy) Barelmann of Chambers, NE, Brian (Deb) Barelmann of O'Neill, Pam Barelmann of Wayne, NE; 9 grandchildren, Kara (Wes) Gregory, Kayla Barelmann, Brandon Barelmann, Brett (Kylee) Barelmann, Brienna (Jason) Cameron, Brooke (Levi) Dexter, Brian (April) Barelmann, Dani (Brock) Schueth, Matteah Barelmann; two siblings, Don Barelmann of Wisner, NE, Carol (Ken) Gross of Carlsbad, CA; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Arline Oliver of Omaha, NE.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Sharon Barelmann