Russell Marvin Mach

Russell "Russ" Marvin Mach, 65, of Chapman, passed away peacefully at home on January 27, 2026, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He put up a tough fight for 15 months.

Russ was born on September 2, 1960, in Ord, Nebraska, to Marvin and Vera (Drawbridge) Mach. Russ grew up in Ord until 1976, when he moved to Grand Island and attended Northwest High School.

While working at the Veterans Home in Grand Island, Russ met the love of his life, Lori. The two were married on November 19, 1983. Russ and Lori made their home in McCool Junction, where they welcomed their daughter, Amanda, in 1985. The family later returned to Grand Island before finally settling in Chapman, Nebraska, which they have proudly called home since 1994.

Throughout his working years, Russ was employed by Wilson Concrete, Gerhold, and St. Paul Ready Mix. His career came to an early end due to a work-related injury, and he retired in 2006. He treasured the years that followed, spending time with his wife, Lori, and his loyal companion, Hank.

One of Russ’s proudest moments was walking his daughter down the aisle when she married Eric Wells in 2021.

Russ is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Samuel Drawbridge, Mildred and Norb Zulkowski; uncle, Don Drawbridge; and in-laws, Jack and Barbara Norquest.

He survived by his wife, Lori; daughter, Amanda (Eric) Wells; granddog, Bandit; sister, Malisa Dantzler of Salina, Kansas; sister-in-law, Vanee Holtmeier of McCool Junction, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Scott Norquest of York, Nebraska; and sister-in-law, Jennifer (Scott) Moran of Lincoln, Nebraska.

He is also survived by his aunt, Mary (Gene) White of Grand Island, Nebraska; uncle, Charles (Sarah) Drawbridge of Calvert, Kentucky; and aunt, Juliana Drawbridge of Ord, Nebraska. Additional survivors include seven nephews; one niece; and many cousins and friends who will miss him dearly.

A celebration of life will be held from 1-4 p.m. on February 7, 2026, at the Chapman Community Center in Chapman. Memorials are suggested to the family.