Roger Ray Hellbusch

1942 - 2025

Roger Ray Hellbusch

January 2, 1942 - December 1, 2025

FULLERTON - Roger Ray Hellbusch, 83, of Fullerton, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 1, 2025, at CountryHouse Residence in Grand Island.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Fullerton with Reverend Allen Pingel officiating. Burial will follow at Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Belgrade with military honors provided by the Belgrade American Legion Post #99 and the United States Navy Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 3rd, at Palmer-Santin Funeral Home in Fullerton. Palmer-Santin Funeral Home is serving the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Nance County Veterans Museum, Peace Lutheran Cemetery, and Mount Calvary Lutheran Church Building Fund.

Roger was born January 2, 1942, to Werner Alvin and Freda Sophia (Badje) Hellbusch on the family farm southwest of Belgrade in Nance County. He was delivered by his aunt, Cecile Badje, during a snowstorm. The doctor was unable to reach the farm due to the deep snow, but when he arrived too late, he assured Cecile she had done a fine job. Roger was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church near Belgrade, where he remained a member until its closing, after which he joined Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Fullerton.

He attended Timber Creek School District #7 through the eighth grade and graduated from Fullerton High School in 1959. That October, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He completed air traffic control school in Olathe, Kansas, and was stationed at Moffett Field Air Base near Mountain View, Calif. He served from 1959 to 1962 and was honorably discharged with the rank of ATC 2nd Class. Roger was very proud of his military service.

After returning home, he farmed with his brother, Richard. In February 1963, he met Janet Kay Evers of Clarks on a blind date, and they were married that November at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Fullerton. They were blessed with five sons: Todd, Troy, Tom, Tim, and Thad. Roger farmed and raised cattle throughout his life, first alongside his brother and later with his sons. He and Janet lived on the family farm for 49 years before moving into Fullerton, though he continued visiting the farm nearly every day.

In 2006, Roger received the Master Conservationist Award for excellence in conservation practices to preserve soil and water resources for future generations. That same year, he received the Nebraska Pioneer Farm Award in recognition of 100 years of continuous family ownership of the farm.

Roger enjoyed bowling, golfing, attending his sons' and grandchildren's activities, and sharing a cool one with friends. He was a member of the Belgrade American Legion, Fullerton Eagles Club, Fullerton Sportsman Club, Pawnee Hills Golf Club, Nance County Cattlemen's Association, Timber Creek Township Board, Timber Creek District #7 School Board, Peace Cemetery Board, and the Cedar River Bikers. He also served on the ASCS Committee for 10 years.

Roger is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jan of Fullerton; sons, Troy (Marianne) Hellbusch, Tom (Mary) Hellbusch, both of Fullerton, and Tim (Jenny) Hellbusch of Belgrade; eight grandchildren, Tessa (Keith) Umstead, Taylor (KC) Rieken, Sophie Carroll, Alissa (Mario) Gates, Tawni (Jake) Barrett, Tyson Hellbusch, Tori (Taj) Winslow, and Ryan Hellbusch; 14 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Rita Hellbusch of Fullerton; two step-granddaughters, Misty Evers and Brittany (Drew) Mayer; brother, Robert (Alice) Hellbusch of Grand Island; brothers-in-law, Dick (Glenda) Evers, and Jim (Kate) Evers; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Todd and Thad; his parents; and brother, Richard (Donna Lou) Hellbusch.