Russell was inducted into the Navy in October 1956. He trained at the Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois.
His duties took him to Imperial Beach, California. Russell was discharged in October 1958 with the rank of Pay Grade #3 "Constructionman."
Following Russ's service in the Navy, he returned to Manning and started farming south of Manning. On April 17, 1960, Russ was united in marriage with Linda Meggers at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. They were the parents of four children. Russ also drove truck and will be remembered by many as a school bus driver.
Russ was known for making jokes and never knew a stranger. Linda and Russ enjoyed card club and getting together with friends and family. He was a big fan of John Deere and antique tractors. Russ enjoyed going to his son's house and tinkering in the shed with the tractors. He loved going to coffee and visiting with friends and anyone else who would listen. Above all Russ was devoted to his family, especially his grandchildren.
On December 13, 1983, Linda suffered a stroke and Russ took full responsibility of taking care of his wife that he loved dearly. When her health began to fail she became a resident of the Manning Plaza where Russ visited her daily. After her death on June 25, 2009, Russ continued to live on the farm, but Linda was never far from his thoughts.
Russ became ill on Friday May 31, 2013, and was transported to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. He died on June 7, 2013, at the age of 77 years, 2 months and 12 days.
Russ is preceded in death by his wife, parents, and infant daughter Sandra.
He is survived by three children: Vicki and husband Dale Eberly of Sioux City; Kimberly Frank and Jim Miller of Ames and Rodney Frank and wife Deanna of Manning; five grandchildren: Stephanie Eberly and Trevor Moore of Sioux City; Jessica Eberly and Hunter Hordusky of Sioux City; Justin Frank of Manning; Austin Frank of Manning; and Michael Frank of Manning; many cousins, other relatives and friends.