Dr. Raymond Russin, 82, of Blair, Nebraska, passed away on November 6, 2026.

Born on January 25, 1944, in New York City, New York, Raymond was the son of Helen Russin. After earning his Eagle Scout rank and graduating from high school in Bridgeport, Connecticut, he embarked on a lifelong pursuit of learning, service, and academic excellence.

Raymond initially attended the University of Connecticut intending to study medicine. While there, he discovered a passion for psychology and transferred to the University of Bridgeport, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Psychology. He later attended Colorado State University, earning a Ph.D. in Research and Experimental Psychology.

Throughout his distinguished career, Raymond was dedicated to teaching, research, and mentoring students. He taught at William Paterson College before pursuing research opportunities through the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. In 1979, he received a National Science Foundation award for the Development of an Undergraduate Laboratory in Experimental Psychology at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. In 1983, he joined Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, as Professor of Psychology. Two years later, he was awarded a second National Science Foundation grant for Laboratory Development: Physiological Psychology.

His scholarly interests included chemistry curriculum development and cognitive control and memory. As a member of the Southwestern Psychological Association, Raymond was passionate about mentoring young researchers and frequently accompanied students to professional conventions where they presented their work. He took great pride in helping students discover their own abilities and pursue their goals.

In 2001, Raymond accepted the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas. In 2006, he became Vice President of Academic Affairs at Dana College in Blair, Nebraska. Following Dana College’s closure, Raymond continued teaching and mentoring students remotely through Northcentral University beginning in 2011.

Raymond’s commitment to service extended far beyond academia. While living in Lindsborg, he became a member of the volunteer ambulance service, earned his Emergency Medical Technician certification, and later taught EMT, First Aid, and CPR courses throughout Kansas. He believed deeply in serving others and sharing knowledge that could make a difference in people’s lives.

Faith was central to Raymond’s life. He served as an active member and councilman of All Saints Orthodox Church in Salina, Kansas, until 2006. After moving to Nebraska, he became a devoted member and Reader at St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Omaha. He also served his community as a member of the Good Shepherd Nursing Home Board in Blair.

Raymond’s love of nature began in childhood, nurtured by his mother, Helen. Together they often visited Beardsley Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where his fascination with animals and the outdoors took root. Throughout his life, he never passed up an opportunity to visit a zoo, wildlife refuge, natural area, or spend a day fishing outdoors.

After moving to Blair, DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge became one of Raymond’s favorite destinations. He especially enjoyed observing bald eagles and studying their behavior. Equally fascinated by smaller birds, he spent countless hours watching the activity around his bird feeders. His binoculars and bird identification book were never far away, and he delighted in sharing his discoveries with family and friends.

Raymond was also an avid woodworker who enjoyed creating hand-crafted toys for his grandsons. He found satisfaction in working with his hands and took pride in creating gifts that would be treasured by his family. He enjoyed taking his grandsons to the Durham Museum to watch the trains whenever they visited, creating memories of time spent with their grandfather.

Raymond was a beloved resident of Brookstone Meadows, where his quick wit, warm personality, and genuine interest in people made him a treasured friend to many. Curious about the world until his final days, he was rarely without something to read, whether it was the latest issue of Psychology Today or one of the several newspapers he enjoyed each day. He loved exploring new ideas through conversation and relished thoughtful discussions about life, faith, current events, nature, and human behavior. Learning was not simply a pursuit for Raymond; it was a way of life. He delighted in sharing what he discovered with others, and a lively exchange of ideas often brought a twinkle to his eye. His enthusiasm for knowledge, combined with his kindness and sense of humor, left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Former students and colleagues fondly remember Raymond’s affection for the laboratory rats that played an important role in his teaching and research. Raymond valued the lessons they could teach students about behavior, observation, and scientific inquiry, and they became one of his favorite teaching tools throughout his academic career.

Raymond first met Betty (Michael) Russin while they were students at the University of Bridgeport. Their marriage brought forth two daughters, Jennifer and Heather, who remained a source of pride and joy throughout his life. Raymond later married Ann Olson, whom he met through Folkdänslag in Lindsborg, Kansas. Their shared appreciation for community, culture, and faith blossomed into a loving partnership.

Family was the foundation of his life, and he took immense pride in the accomplishments and happiness of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Bookless and her husband, Brandon Bookless, and Heather House. Jennifer’s children are Michael Klapp, Alexander Klapp and his wife, Raven, and Nathaniel Klapp. Alexander and Raven are the parents of Raymond’s great-grandson, Preston. Heather’s children are Braxton House, Gabriel House, and Simon House. Braxton is the father of Raymond’s great-grandson, Jaxtyn Ray House. Raymond was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Olson; and his mother, Helen Russin.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Omaha, Nebraska. A Trisagion Prayer Service will follow at 6:30 p.m. at the church, with coffee and desserts served afterward as family and friends gather to share memories, stories, and fellowship.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 14, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Omaha, Nebraska.

A second visitation will be held at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, Kansas, on Monday, November 16, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Family members will be present to receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A graveside committal service will follow on Tuesday, November 17, at 1 p.m., at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Omaha Zoo Foundation, Lauritzen Gardens, or Friends of Boyer Chute and DeSoto National Wildlife Refuges.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

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