Jansen Family Funeral Home

Copple, a man who knew no stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, passed away at the age of 96 on March 31, 2018, at Providence Place in Hastings, NE.Services are 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at Butler Volland Chapel in Hastings with Rev. Dr. Lee R. Wigert officiating. Burial with military rites by Hastings Veterans Organizations will be in Blue Valley Cemetery in Ayr.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Mary Lanning Hospice or to the family for future designation.Visitation is one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.lbvfh.com. Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home & Cremation Center is serving the family.Russ was born in Jansen, NE on December 12, 1921, to Noah and Selma (Seng) Copple. In the early 30's, the family moved to a farm west of Hastings. Russ finished his elementary education at District #2 and then graduated from Hastings High in 1940. He married the love of his life, Velma Druecker, on September 12, 1942. After serving as a flight instructor in the Army Air Corps, Russ and Velma moved to a farm northwest of Hastings. Over the years, they raised five children: Terry, Bill, Janelle, Bradley, and Brian.On Clearview Farm, Russ raised registered shorthorn cattle and farmed to support his family, also filling the roles of a mechanic, plumber, electrician, carpenter, etc., as so many farmers did in those days. Russ also found time in his busy life to serve on two school boards, many service committees, and the Juniata Co-op elevator board for 13 years, to name a few. In 1993, Russ and Velma left the farm and moved to Hastings to enjoy retirement together. Velma passed away in 2005.Russ was preceded in death by his wife, Velma; parents, Noah and Selma Copple; brother, Gerald Copple; sister, Gwen Christopherson; and sister, Shirley Shreve.Survivors include his daughter, Janelle Ernst of Hastings, NE; sons and spouses, Terry and Jan Copple of Hansen, NE; Bill and Julie C... (Hastings Tribune)