Russell Carl Bielke, aged 63, born on September 11, 1961, in San Antonio, Texas, filled the world with laughter and love until his peaceful passing on January 13, 2025. Surrounded by his family and friends, he faced his journey with Bulbar ALS with unwavering faith, belief and trust knowing he would be welcomed into the kingdom of God to be with other angels that were waiting for him.

From the moment he entered this world during the fierce winds of Hurricane Carla, it was clear that Russell's journey would be anything but ordinary to live life to its fullest. He was a spirited child, keeping his parents, Delvin and Evelyn, on their toes with his playful antics. Russell was a handful as he grew up by keeping them active and always on their toes. He took after his father as a humorous jokester and made everyone around him smile. Blessed with his father's carpentry and MacGyver fix it skills, he became a talented craftsman by creating beautiful works that reflected his love for family and life. His dad taught him how to fix anything with a paper clip, wire and a hammer. A talented craftsman, he poured his heart into countless projects for loved ones. He dreamed of retiring to travel the country with Carol to showcase their handcrafted creations. In his final act of his love for carpentry, Russell renovated his childhood home, creating a welcoming hub for family celebrations, where laughter echoed through the halls during birthdays, other celebrations and holidays.

Russell's childhood was a tapestry of joyful memories, woven together with family gatherings at their river lot in Seguin. He was the architect of fun, whether it was swimming, hiding Easter eggs, or hosting Bar B Que cookouts. His love for sports shone brightly as he played football and baseball, coached by his father, and later inspired the next generation through coaching Pop Warner leagues. Russell loved playing football and baseball by playing youth league sports coached by his father and playing high school football and baseball for the Judson Rockets.  He took this passion for baseball and football by coaching Pop Warner football and baseball. He was a dedicated supporter of his nieces and nephews, cheering them on at every game and recital.

Russell's love for the Kraus family farm in Fredericksburg brought him immense joy, as he contributed to restoring the historic buildings and relished the camaraderie of family gatherings. He loved to go hunting, restoring and maintaining historic buildings on the property. Russell would help the Kraus family with different projects that needed to be done. He was always there to give ideas and lend a hand when needed.

Adventures during the last year's baseball season to Houston, Texas filled their lives with laughter and joy. Russell, Carol, Christi, and Harry made numerous road trips to Minute Maid Stadium to watch his beloved Houston Astros. These trips were filled with joy and lasting memories with lots of laughter, fun and armchair quarterbacking.

His dedication to his extended family is immortalized in his love for his work family at Scholastic Book Fairs. Russell worked as a Production Coordinator Lead (PC Lead) at Scholastic Book Fairs. The Scholastic Family held a special place in his heart. He would always say that his family at work made it like home and not a workplace. They had a lot of good times together preparing the fairs to go to the schools, doing seasonal resets, putting up and taking down the cases from storage, happy hour at Mamma Margie's, and having fun at lunch. The Scholastic Family was a source of comfort and peace for him as they kept him involved in activities over the last year. Because they kept him involved in the happenings at the warehouse, he felt like he never left and was still there.

Russell's faith was the cornerstone of his life.  Russell was baptized on February 4, 1962, and was later confirmed April 11, 1976, at Community United Church in San Antonio, Texas. He and Carol were faithful and active members of Redeemer United Church, Zuehl, Texas. Russell served on the Redeemer Church Council multiple times and generously volunteered for various causes and events at church. His faith was evident in his selfless dedication to helping others.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents Edmund & Alice Schorn, Edward & Herminia Bielke; Carol's grandparents, Bonny & Lucy Scheel, and Louis & Norma Kraus.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 27 years Carol Ann Bielke; his sister Christine Voigt (Harry); his brother Daniel Bielke (Scarlett); his mother- and father-in-law Jerome and Genny Kraus; brothers-in-law Andrew Kraus (Sonja); Matthew Kraus, Rene Kraus (Kathleen); nieces and nephews Ryan Voigt (Dana), Jaclyn Bohlke (Brian), Johnathan Bielke, Jennifer Hahn (Jason), Jennifer Lynch (Tyler), Nathaniel Kraus, Megan Kraus, Breann Schwartz (Joseph), Britanee Morales (Fonzie), Thomas Kraus, Michael Kraus; 19 great-nieces and nephews, cousins and numerous extended family members and friends.

The family would like to thank everyone's prayers and support over the last year as he battled this terrible disease. Everyone's help and support made this journey that Russell and Carol walked through together easier knowing they had a village of people behind them reminding us that we are never alone on this journey of life.

As we honor Russell's life, let us remember his mantra: to live life to its fullest, Believe and Trust. His journey may have ended, but his spirit lives on in each of us. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will forever resonate in our hearts.

A visitation and Celebration of Life is planned for January 31, 2025, at Redeemer United Church, 7415 Gin Rd., Marion, TX 78124. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a celebration of life at 1:00 p.m. lead by Pastor Jennifer Gold. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Russell's memory to Redeemer United Church.