Russell "Russ" L. Garton

Russell “Russ” L. Garton, 82 years of age, of Beatrice passed away peacefully with family by his side on Sunday, September 21, 2025 in Beatrice. He was born on April 13, 1943 in Santa Monica, California to Orville and Harriet P. (Thomas) Garton. At a young age, the family moved to Nebraska. Russ began working at an early age helping Ellis area farmers with their grain and hay. He could be found during harvest at the Ellis elevator. Russ worked a few years sacking groceries at Umphenour IGA. He graduated from Beatrice High School and served his country in the Nebraska Army National Guard from 1964 to 1970. On February 2, 1966, Russ married Harriet E. Weber. He worked 9 years at Dempster Industries, 21 years at F.D. Kees Manufacturing, 3 years for Lineweber Trenching and 21 years at Encore Manufacturing. Russ was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #531 and Bitting-Norman Post #27 of the American Legion. He was a storyteller and avid bowler who enjoyed working on automobiles, woodworking, hunting, fishing, playing softball and helping people.

Russ is survived by his children, Diane Waltke and husband James of Bennet, Tom Garton and wife Kari of New York Mills, Minnesota; grandchildren, Zac Garton and wife Allison, Marissa Waltke, Andrew Waltke and fiancée Cassidy Nelson; step grandchildren, Christopher Barber and wife Rachel, Jason Barber and wife Katie; siblings, Kay Monfelt of Beatrice, Roger Garton of Diller, Frank Garton, Steve Garton and wife Pam, both of Beatrice, Rich Garton of Ellis; brother-in-law, Delbert Sokolik; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Harriet E. Garton on March 31, 2011; grandson, Beau Thomas Waltke; sisters-in-law, Pauline Bartlett and husband Gary, Frannie Sokolik; and brothers-in-law, Pat Weber and wife Marilee and Mike Weber.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM Monday, September 29, 2025 at St. John Lutheran Church in Beatrice with Pastor Nathan Metzger officiating. The family suggests casual attire. There will be a family prayer service at 10:15 AM Monday in the church chapel. Interment with military rites by the Nebraska Army National Guard Honor Guard and Bitting-Norman Post #27 of the American Legion will follow in the Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice from 2 to 8 PM with family greeting friends from 4 to 6 PM. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice in care of the mortuary. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.

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