Royce Russell, 78, of Redwood Falls died, following a lengthy illness, on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at the Redwood Area Hospital. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 2, 2011 from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church with burial to follow in the Redwood Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 1, 2011, from 4 until 7 p.m., at the Nelson-Martin Funeral Home in Redwood Falls and will continue on Friday at the church for one hour prior to services.
Arrangements are with Nelson-Martin Funeral Service of Redwood Falls. E-mail condolences may be sent via
www.nelsonmartinfuneralservice.com
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Royce Arthur Russell, the son of Royce Roy Russell and Julia Marie (Hendrickson) Russell, was born April 29, 1933 in Benson. When he was five years old, Royce and his family moved to Redwood Falls. He received his formal education in Redwood Falls Public schools, graduating from Redwood Falls High School in1951.
On October 24, 1953, Royce married Carmine Ilee Skow in Luck, Wisconsin. They returned to Redwood Falls in 1955, where Royce joined his father in the family business, Russell’s Direct Service. Through his work with the public, he interacted with farm workers from Mexico, which inspired him to return to college, major in Spanish and become a teacher. Royce received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota Morris in 1965. Royce taught high school Spanish in Redwood Falls, Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop, Cedar Mountain, and Wabasso school districts. He retired, after 27 years of teaching, in 1993.
Royce was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir and served on the church council. He also served as the chairman of the Redwood County DFL and the president of the local MEA (Minnesota Education Association). Royce also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and card playing – particularly whist and bridge.
He is survived by his children Pam Russell (Gary Sievert) of Seattle, Washington, Scott Russell (Gwen) of Redwood Falls, and Craig Russell (Jeri) of Satellite Beach, Florida; his beloved friend Doris Neudecker; seven grandchildren; his brothers Bruce Russell (Karen) of Waverly, and Ronald Russell (Carole) of Lincoln, Nebraska; and his sister Barbara Carruth (Don) of Half Moon Bay, California. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carmine, in July 1992.
Blessed be his memory.