Russell Leroy Graber, 52, passed away June 20th, 2020 at Newton Medical Center. He was born November 24, 1967 in Topeka, Kansas to Richard L Graber and Nola Jean Kisling Graber.
Russell grew up in Newton Kansas. He graduated from Newton High School in 1986.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister in law Lanaia Westfall.
Survivors are his wife Stephanie Holman Graber; a nephew Chris Westfall and his sister Nadine Graber. Russell was a wonderful man.
Everyone knew him from his long history at McDonalds. He moved to Ottawa with his sister and continued to work for McDonalds there, until they moved to Wellington Ks, and he worked at McDonalds at the Bel Plain Service center and RailCrew Express in Wellington Ks. While living in Wellington Russell met Stephanie. He was so excited and happy he met her. Russell, Stephanie, Nadine, and Stacy all moved back to Newton together. He started working at McDonalds again. He enjoyed his work family. He was known to Stacy’s boys as Uncle Russ. He loved Timmy and Kyle. They drove him crazy at times but he would do anything he could for them. Russell got married June 29th, 2019 to his best friend Stephanie. They didn’t get enough time together but the time they got they were so happy.
Memorial Contributions are suggested to Trinity Heights United Methodist Church in Newton in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
Service for Russell will be July 2nd, 2020 at 10am at Athletic park Shelter off 5th street entrance in Newton Kansas with The Reverend Donna Voteau presiding.
Russell use to go to singles group in the 90s he did karaoke and even danced back then was always so sweet. Glad he met the love of his life an got married. Russell Love Jesus an was a Christian so find comfort knowing he is with family an jesus .He will be ur Angel watching over u Stephanie
I love ❤️ you forever Russell you were the best I will sadly miss you but remember are silly funny talks we shared and oh boy I laugh when you shaved you’re chest not that long ago . Lol I remember saying what did you do that for you always loved me doing the meow kitty kitty with a purrrrr sounds . You started doing that so fun . I can’t believe i you’re gone you had such s as a pure sweet kind loving heart ❤️ I’m so happy you found love with you’re wife I know how much you loved her
I love you so much and forever Russell Graber I am going to sadly miss you all Are silly talk you always loved it when I said meow kitty kitty with a Pirrrrt. It was so cute and funny when you started doing that . I’m going to miss you’re video chats when you was on break at McDonald’s I can’t believe I’m not gonna hear your voice again but Ihold it in my heart and memory and I know I’ll see you in heaven someday. I was so happy when you said you found love and married Stephanie I remember you telling me you will never find nobody to love you and I said Yes you will I said there’s a mate for everybody in the world and the one you find is going to be a special one that’s going to love you the rest of your life I said have faith I’m so sad that your happiness has ended so soon I know your anniversary is the 29th of this month and you was wanting to go camping you and your wife I know that you’re in heaven and I know that I will see you again and I also know that you’re smiling down and watching every single body you loveYou’re a special guy one of a kind beautiful heart beautiful on the outside as well as inside I love you so much forever well friend forever and ever Judy
Oh man I am so sorry to hear this. You were a good man and good friend. You will be missed. Love You Man.
He was a nice guy. And a great guy who was my neighbor for awhile. He will be missed by many.
RIP My Friend God Has You Now
Russ always told me good morning and was always ready with a hug.
Nadine and Family,
May you find comfort knowing that Russell touched so many lives. Know that he has found peace and understanding in the kingdom of heaven. You will meet again.
I remember lots of good times with Russ in middle school and high school–church youth group trips to Worlds of Fun, camping, and service trips. Russ was always a positive and fun guy. He will be greatly missed.
What a great friend and classmate you were. You were always so caring and compassionate. To Steph and all his friends, family, and loved ones—May GOD wrap his loving arms around you during this difficult time.
I’m so so saddened to hear of your passing! You were a kind, gentle and compassionate person! You always created me with a big smile! Fly high my friend!! Much love to you and your family!!