Raymond Earl Russell

     Raymond Earl Russell was born in Ida Grove, IA on January 19, 1950 to Edward and Ruth Janes Russell. He graduated from Spencer High School in 1969 and later took classes at ILCC. Raymond worked at Superior/Witco Manufacturing for many years. He also worked at Spencer Veneer, the Spencer Library, Sacred Heart School and SuperValu.

     Raymond loved taking his niece and 5 nephews on walks, often to the library, and often took care of their pets. He loved to read, do research, and was writing a biography at the time of his death. History, mysteries, and forensics were his other interests. He also loved country western music and rock and roll. Raymond loved to talk with everyone. People will remember him a nice guy, as well as a kind, gentle soul, with a good sense of humor (though he was known for some really bad puns)!

     Raymond was a devout Catholic and belonged to Knights of Columbus, and various other organizations. He was a good son and a generous brother, uncle and friend. He particularly enjoyed seeing old friends at his class reunions and hated that he couldn’t attend the reunion this summer due to ill health. Raymond enjoyed living at Sunset Apartments until last month when he was recuperating at Longhouse Residence. He was slowly recovering from surgery for esophageal cancer, when he died unexpectantly.

     Raymond was preceded in death by his father Edward and uncles, Don Russell and Herbert Henry.

     He is survived by his mother, Ruth, of Spencer, IA; sister, Mindy “Marilyn” Means (Kent) of Royal, IA; brothers, Tom Russell (Coleen) of Ida Grove, IA and Andy Russell (Christy) of Spencer, IA; Nephews, Luke Will, Shawn, and Ryan Russell and Josh Izer; a niece, Sarah Russell; as well as 3 grand-nephews; 3 grand-nieces; 2 aunts; various cousins; and many, many friends. His death is a great loss to all who loved him.

     Thank you to everyone who have supported our family with prayer and kindnesses, especially Raymond’s friends and neighbors. We cannot say enough about the excellent care Raymond received from Abben Cancer Center in Spencer, Mercy Hospital in Sioux City, and Select Specialty Hospital in Sioux Falls, Spencer Hospital, Home health aides and nurses and Longhouse Nursing Home. May God bless all the people who showed such kindness, respect, and patience to Raymond.

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