Russell Patrick Bernt

September 11, 1948 – October 3, 2026

Russell Bernt, age 78, died on October 3, 2026 after a difficult battle with lymphoma.

Russell was an intelligent, kind, calm, and loving father and grandfather.

He grew up on a farm near Duncan, Nebraska, later moving to the nearby town of Columbus, Nebraska. He graduated with a BA degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Russell then moved to Arlington, VA to begin his career, working as an engineer for the federal government in the intelligence community. His career with the federal government lasted 40+ years. After his federal career, Russell continued to engage professionally by consulting in related areas.

Throughout his life, Russell enjoyed spending time with his wife Julie and his twin sons. He enjoyed playing basketball and golf with his sons and was active in his community as a coach of many of his sons’ sports teams for many years. Later in life, he loved spending time with his grandchildren, attending their various events and teaching them how to use his model train collection.

Russell was an avid reader, particularly American and world history, and with Julie was an avid traveler. Together, they not only traveled to all corners of the United States but also to Europe, North Africa, and post-retirement, to Russia and Vietnam. When not traveling the world, Russell enjoyed spending time at his Nebraska farm with Julie. He was a proud alum of the University of Nebraska and a lifelong Nebraska Cornhusker football fan, attending and watching games as he was able.

Russell is survived by his twin sons Jon (Jennifer Newman) Bernt and Matthew (Elizabeth) Bernt, brothers Charles Bernt and Gregory (Elizabeth) Bernt, grandchildren Benjamin, Samuel, Eleanor, Madeleine, Theodore, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Sylvester Bernt and his mother Leona (Ziemba) Bernt.

A visitation will be held on Monday October 19, 2026 from 5 pm - 8pm the Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church, 5300 10th St N, Arlington VA on Tuesday October 20, 2026 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Virginia Hospital Center or St. Ann Church in Russell’s name