Russell Haddan

RUSSELL HADDAN, 71 of Ogallala, passed away Friday, June 16, 2017 at Bryan Medical Center East in Lincoln.

Russell was born September 30, 1945 at Alexandria, Nebraska to Donald and Norma (Polage) Haddan. After attending school in rural Alexandria, Russ went to work for a construction company that was contracted to develop the I-80 Interstate.

Russ primarily worked with heavy equipment, and in the late 1960's, he climbed down from his road scraper to settle in Ogallala. Russ worked for Beal Construction for a few years before founding Platte Valley Wrecking & Salvage south of Ogallala in the early 1970's. Russ' work was more like play to him, and he never felt the need to step away despite struggles with his health in recent years.

Needless to say, Russ was a "car guy." He craved hearing the roar of an engine, and spent countless summer days at drag and stock car races as well as demolition derby's. When the demo derby was finished, he would routinely make offers to buy the cars that didn't fare so well.

Russ had an easy-going way about him. He was forgiving and slow to make judgments. Russ had a gift for working unsuspecting family members and friends into a lather with his sarcasm. His dry humor was almost always accompanied by his signature wheezing laugh, which for the uninitiated, was the first obvious sign that he was having fun at your expense.

Russ was a lover of westerns and war shows. He also loved hunting, fishing and camping over the years. Whether it was working in the salvage yard, soaking in the experience of the races & derby's, or just getting a rise out of people, Russ had a knack for finding beauty in the present.

Russ was preceded in death by 2 children; his parents; and a sister, Patricia Watson.

Survivors include his best friend and companion, Linda Avery of Ogallala; 8 children; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother, Doyle Haddan of Lincoln; sister, Maxine Haddan of Fairbury; along with many other relatives and good friends.

A memorial has been established in Russell's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Services will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the New Hope Church in Ogallala with Pastor Duane Dunwoody officiating. Burial will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.