Russell Harold Lawrence II, 86, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away November 6, 2021 at his home. He was born on April 24, 1935 to Russell H. and Madeline (Lindsey) Lawrence in Irwin, Pennsylvania. Russell grew up in Pittsburg and Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. Russell attended Mars High School and graduated with the class of 1953. After high school, he went to college at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and received his degree in Pharmacy.
He met the love of his life, Jeanette Harvey, in the Drake cafeteria. They were married June 15, 1958 in Knoxville, Iowa. Russell and Jeanette had two daughters, Julianne and Cecelia. The family lived in Knoxville, Iowa, later moving to Cherokee, Iowa in 1964.
Russell worked at the Cherokee Mental Health Institute as the Chief of Pharmacy for 21 years. In 1991, the couple moved to Fort Dodge, Iowa and Russell worked at the K-Mart Pharmacy until his retirement. Russell worked as a pharmacist for over 50 years.
After his retirement, Russell and Jeanette enjoyed travelling, and moved to North Platte, Nebraska in 2018 to be closer to their daughter Cecelia. Russell loved to fish, read, do jigsaw puzzles, play bridge, and bake cakes. Russell loved entertaining, attending symphonies and plays, and spending time with his family.
Russell is survived by his wife Jeanette; children, Julianne Lawrence and husband Jeffrey Kramer; Cecelia Lawrence and husband Bill Kackmeister; sister, Carole (Warren) Maurer; grandchildren, Ian Michael Bergeron, Michael (Carolyn) Kackmeister, David Kackmeister, Adam (Christy) Kackmeister, Eric (Sisi) Kackmeister; and several great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Russell H. and Madeline Lawrence.
Memorials are suggested for the North Platte Public Library or the North Platte First Presbyterian Church.
Cremation was chosen. Private family graveside services will be in Iowa at a later date. Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.