Russel Dean Skalak, was born on May 15, 1957 to Albin and Marilyn (Fette) Skalak in Lincoln, Nebraska. He died suddenly while working with firewood at his country home near Crete, Nebraska on March 31, 2018 at the age of 60 years and 10 months. He attended school in Dorchester, Nebraska and graduated with the class of 1975. He was active in football, wrestling, band, chorus, especially excelling in the musical activities which he participated in throughout his life. He was married to Debbie Pracheil on March 26, 1977. They met at a very young age and participated in musical events together and played in their band throughout their married lives. They were parents of two children, a daughter, Desi Rae and a son Ryan, who died tragically as a result of an accident. Russ was a Maintenance Technician for the State of Nebraska Department of Roads for 15 years. Russ is survived by his wife of 41 years, Debbie, daughter and son in law, Desi Rae and Brandon Nash, grandsons, Hayden and Kolby Nash, sisters and brothers in law, Kathy and Jack Oelschlager and Connie and Scott Campbell, sister in law and brother in law, John and Cheryl Retherford, many nieces and nephews, friends, and his two kitties, Katie and Cali. He was preceded in death by his son, Ryan Dean Skalak, his parents, Albin and Marilyn Skalak, brother, Rich Skalak, parents in law, Clarence and Viola Pracheil and his grandparents. Memorials have been designated in care of the family for future designation. Funeral Service: Thursday, 3:00 PM, Tuxedo Park 4-H Building, Crete. Visitation: Wednesday, 5 – 8 PM, Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete. Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete is in charge of arrangements.