Russell S. Eisenhart

Russell Stanley Eisenhart was born on April 26, 1924 in Culbertson, Nebraska to George G. and Marion Irving (Herman) Eisenhart. He was the thirteenth of fifteen children in the family. Russell attended school in Culbertson graduating in 1942. He excelled athletically; he won the 1941 Class C State Track Meet by himself and was a member of the 1942 State Champion Class C basketball team.

Russell began college at UNL in 1942. Russell was inducted into the United States Army in 1943. He served his country honorably and was deployed to the Pacific Theater in World War Two, earning the American Theater Service Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Russ was honorably discharged in 1946.

Russell was united in marriage to Patricia June Ferguson on May 26, 1946. Russ and Pat made a home in Lincoln while he resumed his studies at the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1949. The young family settled in Clay Center, Nebraska in 1949 where Russell worked at the Soil Conservation Service. In 1952, Russ left the SCS to pursue the fertilizer business in addition to teaching vocational agriculture to veterans. Always the entrepreneur, Russ built, owned and operated the Eisenhart Grain Company in Clay Center from 1958-1966. In 1966, he joined the Culbertson Bank and served until retiring in 1990. He served as chairman of the bank board until 2013.

In addition to his passion for business, Russell was also active in the communities that he called home. He served on many boards and was part of numerous local organizations. He was a member of the Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge. Russ was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the VFW. In addition, he served on the school boards in Clay Center and Culbertson. In his free time, Russ loved to spend time with family. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hunting or playing golf.

Russell passed away at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at the age of 100.

He was preceded in death by his parents; fourteen siblings; and his wife of nearly 69 years, Patricia in 2015.

Survivors include his children: Rusty (Annette) Eisenhart of Culbertson, Nancy (Don) Churchwell of Prescott, Arizona and Dave (Doris) Eisenhart of Culbertson; grandchildren: John (Abbie) Eisenhart, Ben (Bonnie) Eisenhart, Andrea Eisenhart, Jenni (DJ) Cantwell, Jeff Broz, Collin (Kristy) Eisenhart and Colby (Danny) Fisher; and great-grandchildren: Georgette, Sam, Beau, Paige, Megan, Ally, Carson, Delaney, Keaton, Jensyn, Rowan, Ozzie, Bexlie and Bodhi.

A time for fellowship and visitation will be held from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM on Saturday afternoon, March 29, 2025 at Herrmann-Joned Funeral Capel in McCook. Burial in the Culbertson Cemetery with full military honors is scheduled for 3:30 PM, following the visitation .

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Russ’ memory are suggested to the Culbertson Rescue Unit or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook