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Russell R. Puffer, 78

Russell R. Puffer, 78, of Herman died Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, at CHI Health Immanuel in Omaha while surrounded by family and friends.

A private family service is planned. Burial will be in the Tekamah Cemetery. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Home in Tekamah.

Russell R. Puffer was born July 17, 1936, in Tekamah to Linton and Blanche (Peck) Puffer.

Russell spent his childhood growing up on the farm in the Tekamah area. He attended school in Tekamah. After finishing school, he worked for area farmers in Tekamah.

In May of 1967, Russell married Wanda Anderson. They moved to Gothenburg, where Russell worked for the State of Nebraska Department of Roads. In 1977, they moved back to Craig, and made their home.

To this union, three children were born: Kent, Amy and Wesley.

While residing in Craig, Russell worked for the City of Craig for many years.

On Sept. 9, 2000, Russell and Phyllis Andersen were united in marriage. They spent their retirement years together in Herman.

Russell enjoyed collecting hats and license plates, having both of them hung in the garage, where he spent a lot of time. Russell took great pride in the appearance of the Craig Cemetery. He always enjoyed being there, and researching each gravestone. Russell and Phyllis gathered all of the information to make a new cemetery directory.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of Herman; children: Kent (Brooke) Puffer of Overton, Amy (Jarvis) Guill of Oakland and Wes Puffer of Cheyenne, Wyo.; adopted daughter Dori Lee of Omaha; sister Rosemand (Jim) Sell of Mondamin, Iowa; stepdaughters: Kim (Fred) Wesley of Blair, Tanis (Scott) Tucker of Springfield, Mo., and Mary (Harry) Beatty of Holley, Fla.; four grandchildren: Connor and Corbin Guill, Haylee Puffer and Dawsen Puffer; stepgrandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Linton and Ruth Puffer and Marion and Phyllis Puffer.

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~