Russell LeRoy Reeder

Russell LeRoy Reeder, 85, of Fullerton, passed away Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Palmer-Santin Funeral Home in Fullerton with Reverend James Gruber officiating. Inurnment will follow at Peace Lutheran Cemetery in rural Belgrade with military honors provided by Fullerton American Legion Post #151, Belgrade American Legion Post #99, and the United States Army Honor Guard. Palmer-Santin Funeral Home is serving the family.

Russ was born March 9, 1940, in Omaha, to Ralph and Berniece (Hartford) Reeder. He spent the first 14 years of his life in Omaha before moving with his parents to a farm west of Belgrade. He graduated from Belgrade High School in 1958. Following high school, he served in the U.S. Army for over three years, including two years stationed in Germany, and was honorably discharged in 1962.

In1964, Russ married his wife Marian Kay Hellbusch, and they spent 55 wonderful years together.  The couple welcomed their only son, Jay, in 1969, and the family lived in Omaha. Russ worked as a field representative for Kraft Foods for 30 years before retiring in 1996. After retirement, he and Marian moved to a home in the Ozarks overlooking Table Rock Lake.  Russ enjoyed retirement.  He played golf, enjoyed landscaping his yard, and watching his grandsons play baseball. 

After Marian’s passing, Russ moved to Fullerton. In Fullerton he spent his time mowing Peace Lutheran Cemetery, spending time with his many friends, watching Nebraska sports, updating his home, and taking rides around the countryside.

He is survived by his son, Jay (Christy) Reeder of Basehor, Kan.; grandsons, Nathan (Olivia) Reeder of Brighton, Mich., Zach (Brooke) Reeder of Shawnee, Kan., and Blake Reeder of Baldwin City, Kan.; great-granddaughter, Leah; significant other, Sue Cox; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marian; his parents, Ralph and Berniece (Hartford) Reeder; half-sister, Shirley (Reeder) Winther; and half-brothers, Robert and William Peterson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Peace Lutheran Cemetery or Fullerton Fire and Rescue.