Russell Robert Kendle (known as Pete), passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024 at Highland Park Care Center in Alliance, NE. He was born December 8, 1944 to Russell James (known as Buck) and Phyllis Ann (Taylor) Kendle. Though born in Lincoln, NE, he spent most of his growing up years in Kearney and North Platte, NE. There he learned to love hunting and fishing. Moving back to Lincoln, he completed high school and briefly attended UNL before being employed by the CB&Q Railroad in the spring of 1964. His railroad career was interrupted by a military leave of absence when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1965. He trained as an aviation electrician in the Marine Air Wing and was deployed to Chu Lai, Vietnam in November 1967 for a year. While Pete was in the Marine Corps, he married Barbara Ann Stoughton in Lincoln, NE. They were blessed with two sons and a marriage of 56 plus years before his passing. After being released from active duty from the Marine Corps, Pete returned to the railroad and worked in Lincoln until being transferred to Alliance, NE in 1978. He retired from BNSF Railroad at Alliance, NE in 2000.
While in Alliance, Pete enjoyed shooting trap with his sons. In 2018, he was selected to be on an Honor Flight to Washington, DC.
Pete is also survived by his wife, Barbara, his sons, Russell Charles Kendle and wife, Vickie of DeSoto, WI and Wade Russell Kendle and wife, Debra, of Lincoln, NE, his mother, Phyllis Cummins, of Lincoln, his sister, Karen (Ron) Goldenstein of Lincoln, his step brothers, Paul (Delora) Cummins of Lincoln, Bob (Kathy) Cummins of Lincoln, and Bill (Betty) Cummins of Lincoln. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, William Stoughton of Austin, TX, and sisters-in-law Donna (Terry) Flynn of Melbourne, Australia and Mary Wenzel of Lincoln, plus several nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Belle Kendle, Katrina Kendle, Benjamin Kendle and Wyatt Kendle of Lincoln, and Jade Kendle of Alliance.
A memorial service will be held on June 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Alliance, NE. Memorials may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church or the Veterans State Cemetery at Alliance Foundation.