Michael Russell

Michael “Mike” Shane Russell, 68 years of age, of Beatrice passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Bryan Medical Center East in Lincoln. He was born on July 12, 1957, in Glendale, California to Robert P. and JoAnn E. (Caspers) Russell.  Mike enlisted in the U.S. Army and entered active duty on July 16, 1974, in Omaha, Nebraska.  He served his country until his honorable discharge from service on July 18, 1977, in Oakland, California.

On June 12, 1981, Mike was united in marriage to Kathy Higgins at St. John Lutheran Church in Beatrice. To this union were born two children, Phillip and Rachel.

Mike is survived by his children, Jessica Clingan and husband David of Hays, KS; Phillip Russell of Hilo, HI; Rachel Scott and husband Michael of Wymore, NE; parents Robert and JoAnn Russell of Beatrice, grandchildren: Savannah and Elizabeth Clingan, and Lilly, Caleb, and Hazel Scott, brothers: Mark Russell of Beatrice, John Russell and wife Pam of Filley, Pat  Russell and wife Janene of Jansen, NE; his sister Julie Weyer and husband Allyn of Wymore, mother-in-law Marilyn Higgins of Beatrice, and uncles, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Kathy (2021), father-in-law Ronald Higgins (2019) and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 29, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church in Beatrice with Pastor Arden Dorn officiating. The service will be live streamed on the church’s Facebook page. A family prayer service will be held at 10:45 AM Saturday in the church sanctuary. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice in care of the mortuary. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.