Bobby 'Bob' Russell Hardy

Bobby Russell Hardy was born to Ralph and Esther (Rousselle) Hardy in Hitchcock Countys Eden Precinct on Nov. 7, 1930; he passed away in McCook on Jan. 20, 2023. Bob attended the one-room Eden School through eighth grade and then continued his education in Wauneta, graduating in 1948. In November 1951, Bob joined the Army and served in Korea, primarily in the Iron Triangle. He received three Bronze Service Stars for participation in three major battles. Because of his service, in 2018 Bob was proclaimed by the Korean government an Ambassador for Peace, for which he received a medal. On March 28, 1959, Bob married Jean Winkelmann of Imperial. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Elizabeth, Steven, and Ann. Bob engaged in farming in Eden Precinct for most of his adult life. In 1999, he and Jean retired and moved to McCook, and Bob volunteered at the McCook Pantry for nearly 20 years. He served on the school boards for Eden and Stratton, on the Wauneta Coop Oil Company Board, the Wauneta Rural Fire District Board, and the board of the McCook Pantry. Bob was an avid but stoic sports fan throughout his life. He also enjoyed reading, keeping up on current events, and visiting with whoever was near, whether a stranger or a lifelong friend. Bob was baptized into Christ at age 18, and for the past 50 or so years was a member of the Stratton Church of Christ. Besides providing leadership at church, he was the song leader and often taught adult Bible classes. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his two sisters and their spouses, Elva (Merle) Brown and Joan (Gordon) Morthole, by his son-in-law, Brian Vargus, and by his brother-in-law, Donald Winkelmann. Besides Jean, he is survived by his children, Elizabeth Carroll of Indianapolis, Steven Hardy and his wife, Nancy, of Seward, and Ann Vrana and her husband, Steve, of Wahoo; his grandchildren, Evann (Matt) Gerber, Alexis (Noah) Walz, and Esther, Eleanor, Isaac, and Aaron Hardy; and two brothers-in-law, James (Sara) Winkelmann and David (Katherine Jellison) Winkelmann. He is also survived by eleven nieces and nephews and their families, plus numerous other family members and friends. Memorial services will be held Thursday, Jan. 26, at 2:00 p.m. at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Home in McCook with Randy Hayes officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 4:00 until 6:00. Inurnment with full military honors will occur in Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska, on Friday, Jan. 27 at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be given to the McCook Pantry. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook. Visitation Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel Wednesday, January 25, 2023 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 607 Norris Avenue McCook, Nebraska 69001 Memorial Service Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel Thursday, January 26, 2023 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM 607 Norris Avenue McCook, Nebraska 69001 Graveside Service Fort McPherson National Cemetery Friday, January 27, 2023 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM 120047 S Spur 56A Maxwell, Nebraska 69151