Russel Lee Robertson, died July 25th, 2021, after a courageous 9 month battle with cancer. He was born January 21st, 1962, the son of Jean & Elaine (Lahm) Robertson, Roca, Nebraska and lived in the same local area his entire life. Russ graduated from Norris High School in 1980 and was a prominent member of the football and basketball teams that won state titles in 1978 and 79.
He was also a member of the National Honor Society. He had the opportunity to play football at the Air Force Academy but chose instead to play at Wesleyan University for 2 years. He then attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where he earned his Ag-Econ degree. After graduation he took a job in Fargo, ND working for Shell Chemical Company but quickly realized that he belonged back in Nebraska farming alongside his father. Upon his father’s retirement, Russ took over the farming operation. Russ met his wife, Konnie (Helter) Robertson in 1997 and they were married a year later. He became a father in 1999 to a son, Marcus.
Russ spent many years being a board member for several different Co-Ops. He also enjoyed helping to coach his son in basketball and football. He was a very driven and goal-oriented person. Farming was not just a job or career to him. It was a way of life. Russ was always on the cutting edge of farming, often being one of the first to try many different and new ways of farming. He was extremely intelligent and had an excellent mind for business. He was a planner and efficiency was his mantra. He was exceedingly hard working and made the most of every minute of his days. Although he didn’t really have any hobbies, he did enjoy visiting with friends and neighbors, but equally found enjoyment conversing with complete strangers. He often said that no matter what walk of life a person came from, there was always something to learn from them.
Russ is proceeded in death by his parents, Jean and Elaine Robertson (Lahm), grandparents; Carl & Elsie Lahm (Heusinkvelt) and Joseph & Faye Zellers and unborn son, Jordan James. He is survived by his wife, Konnie (Helter), son Marcus and girlfriend Skyleigh Taylor, sister Sue Otto and husband Rolland, sister Jill Robertson, brother Rob and wife Barb Robertson and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, July 29th at 10:30 AM at The Sesostris Shrine, 1050 Saltillo Rd., Roca, Nebraska and visitation with family 5-7 PM Wednesday July 28th at the shrine. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Sprague-Martell Community Center (Central Light and Rec). Other memorials can be made in care of the family for later designation. Condolences may be left at trumpmemorials.com. Trump Funeral Services, 1600 West “O” Street, Lincoln.
We are so sorry and hearts go out to you and Marcus!
We are so sorry about Russ. We remember him playing sports at Norris. He was such a good player (his brother was too). You have our most sincere sympathy.
I’m so sorry, praying for the Robertson family.
Konnie,
I am so sorry to hear this. Many thoughts and prayers to you and Marcus.
Hugs!
Dear Robertson Family,
I am so very sorry to learn of this news. I serve as a Trustee and Russel assisted me many times on all things related to Agriculture. He was gracious, funny and kind. We spoke often of coming to parenthood later in life and he was thrilled to be a husband and father. Please accept my sincerest sympathy and know that Russ touched so many lives in such a positive way…that influence and his love for you will remain.
So very sorry to hear this. Our condolences to the family.
Russ was one of the first guys I met as freshmen on the NWU football team. We developed an immediate friendship that continued on through the years; connecting through both sports and farming. Russ’s leadership skills were apparent early on, as he was one of the few freshmen that garnered respect from both the upperclassmen and the coaches. What stood out to me, especially when I would visit with him this past year, were his optimistic outlook and his love and concern for his family. I will really miss him!
Russ was the best brother in law a man could ask for. Even though I parted way with the Robertson family years ago I kept Russ in my thoughts and prayers through the years. He left this earth entirely too soon. He will be missed by many including me. May God bless his family.
We are sorry for your loss. Love and prayers to all the family. God bless all of you
Here’s to the guy that always treated me like I was his brother. Russell and my and sister Jenny dated while going to school and when he came to our house to see my sister he made me feel like he was there to see me too. When a goofy television show would come on he and I would go to the other room and shoot pool until it was over. Russ and his brother Rob would give me rides home after football practice and weight training and we would stop at the Hickman tavern to buy Mountain Dews and Slim Jims. Russ knew I had an interest in farming at that time, so he would have me out to their farm every now and then to show me things. Truly a leader and mentor to me. What a great guy and thanks for all of the fond memories my friend. I’m sad that you had to leave so soon.