In Memory of Russell Aerni

Russell Aerni, 73, of Columbus died Tuesday, August 20, 2002 at Beverly Healthcare in Columbus. Funeral Services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday August 24, 2002 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus with Reverend Richard Bringewatt officiating.  Burial is in the Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Columbus.  Visitation is 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday at McKown Funeral Home and 9:30 a.m. - service time on Saturday at the church.  A Family Prayer Service will be held at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, also at the church. Memorials are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Church or to the donor's choice.

Russell was born April 8, 1929 in Platte County to Walter and Frieda (Benning) Aerni. He lived in Columbus and graduated from Kramer High School in 1945. He then attended Concordia Teachers College in Seward, NE. He worked at Luschens IGA in Columbus and later worked for Safeway in Red Oak, Iowa and Omaha, NE. He returned to Columbus where he worked at Columbus Holiday Inn as a night auditor. He married Martha Laska on November 5, 1977 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus. He worked into the family business at Aerni and Sons as the Secretary/Treasurer, retiring in 1998.
He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where he ushered for 45 years. He also served as Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, Congregational Secretary, Board of Stewardship and Assistant Treasurer. He was the President of A.A.L. Branch 1773 and served on the board for a number of years. He was a member of the Walther League where he directed many of their plays, Kiwanis Club where served as President, Lieutenant Governor and secretary for many years, Toastmasters Club, Chairman of the local Republican Party and was a Delegate for the Republican State Convention.

He is survived by: Wife Martha Aerni of Columbus, NE
Daughter Deb (Tom) Mohning of Columbus, NE
Daughter Shari (Jim) Reisdorff of David City, NE
Son Terry Krepel of Dardanelle, AR
Brother Robert (Jo Ann) Aerni of Columbus, NE
Brother Ray (Dorothy) Aerni of Columbus, NE
Sister LaVonne Aerni of Columbus, NE
Sister Elaine (Dave) Schurman of Bella Vista, AR
Grandson Tony (KC) Murphy of Columbus AFB, MS
Grandson John Murphy of Omaha, NE
Grandson Tim Mohning of Keesler AFB, MS
Many Nieces & Nephews

He is preceded in death by his parents.