Russell Bredenkamp

Russell J. Bredenkamp, age 75 of York, NE, died Monday, June 22, 2009 at York. He was born March 16, 1934 at York to Arthur and Beulah (Wright) Bredenkamp. He was baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in York. Russ attended grade school at rural District 26 and graduated from York High School in 1951. He was active in 4-H and was a leader of the LB 4-H Club. He served in the US Army and spent 18 months in Korea.

On May 25, 1958, he was united in marriage to Joellyn Eacker. To this union four children were born: Brent, Curt, Jill and Troy. Joellyn died February 1, 1984. Russ married Patricia Goertzen on June 20, 1986 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in York.

Russ was a farmer until 1985 and devoted more time to his Ornamental Ironworks business. He was a County manager for Archer Petroleum and served as York County Commissioner for 21 years. Russ was blessed with a natural talent for inventing and building things. He used that talent to build a toy threshing machine and a 12 row planter, both without instructions or directions. Among his many hobbies were repairing toy tractors, painting, drawing and singing.

Russ was a people person. He never met a stranger and never passed up a chance to visit with people. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Pat of York; son Brent Bredenkamp of Waco, NE; daughter, Jill (Ben) Fink of Norfolk, NE; son, Troy (Karol) Bredenkamp of Castle Rock, CO; step-son, Carey Goertzen and fiancé Sarah Boardman of Bradshaw, NE and Jeryl (Bob) Owens of Phoenix, AZ. Grandchildren include: Alexa, Cassie, and Braden Fink of Norfolk; Tate, Truman, and Karsyn Bredenkamp of Castle Rock; Cody and Casey Goertzen of Bradshaw; Paige and Parker Owens of Phoenix; and Megan and Brandon Boardman of Aurora, NE. Russ is also survived by one sister, Margie (Wayne) Pieper of York, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, and son Curt.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 25, 2009 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in York with the Reverend Mike Neidow officiating. Interment will follow at York’s Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday and 9am-9pm Wednesday, with the family greeting friends Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.