Russell D. Walther

Russ was born February 14, 1954, in Waterloo, Iowa to Willard and Betty (Ackerman) Walther. He graduated from East High School in 1972 where he was an outstanding athlete. He graduated from Ellsworth Junior College in Iowa Falls, Iowa and from Missouri Southern State University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.

Russ began his teaching career in Shenandoah, Iowa, as a science teacher. It was here he began to share his passion for sports as an assistant football coach and head baseball coach. His love of sports and leadership abilities made him a natural as a coach.

He was married in 1984 to Linda Moody and moved to Thornton, Colorado. Russ continued to coach baseball at both Northglenn High School and Horizon High School. Russ worked for the Adams County Parks Department for 30 years and took pride in his work. His loving care of the plant and flower beds earned him recognition from regulars at the park and his peers. That love of a beautiful landscape carried over to his own home where he spent hours making certain that his yard was the best in the neighborhood.

Russ loved everything sports; he was an avid Denver Bronco and Colorado Rockies fan. He loved to go cheer the Rockies on at Coors Field. Last year he had begun a quest to visit as many major league baseball fields as he could. He was a season ticket holder for the University of Colorado Volleyball team and enjoyed cheering the Buffs on to victory.

Russ is survived by his wife Linda, daughters Amanda of Louisville, Colorado, Aimee (Kyle) Olberding of Des Moines, Iowa and Lauren of Thornton, Colorado, and his grandchildren Leo Ferra, Aero and Florence Mroz, and Kadyn and Beylen Olberding. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Carol Patterson and brother Darrell Walther.

There will be a celebration of Russ’s life on November 11, 2017 at the Auburn Country Club, in Auburn Nebraska from 1 until 3 pm. In leu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to Auburn American Legion Baseball c/o Kevin Reiman 608 S Street, Auburn NE 68305 or the Auburn Cemetery Association c/o Suzzy Thomas 809 Central Avenue, Auburn Ne 68305.