Russell Haynes Haaland

Russell (R.H.) Haynes Haaland, the son of T.J. and Florence (Collins) Haaland, Sr., was born June 7, 1924 on a farm south of Spencer, Iowa. His childhood years were spent in the Rossie area, where he attended Rossie School, graduating as valedictorian of his class from Rossie High School in 1941. R.H. married Verneta Beck on May 16, 1944 in South Sioux City, NE. Following their marriage, they farmed near Rossie until the time of his death. He was a past member of the Rossie United Church of Christ, where he was the Sunday school Superintendent, Sunday school teacher, and sang in the choir and for special events over the years. R.H. also was active in the Barbershop chorus in his early years. Following the closing of the Rossie Church, they became members of the First Congregational Church in Spencer. R.H. enjoyed restoring his Model A John Deere Tractor and showing it in tractor shows. He thought the John Deere tractor was the only tractor. In his later years, he showed purebred Herefords at the fair, where he had his own seat by the entry door so he could be at the center of the action. R.H. enjoyed woodworking and shared most of his projects as gifts for his family. R.H. helped with the 4-H and FFA Sheep Shows at the Clay County Fair for many years and was a member of the Northwest Iowa Wool Grower's Association. He was a member of the Food for Life Board, a Hospice Volunteer, and a 50-year Mason. He was proud of the fact that he was born, raised, and lived his whole life in Clay County. His greatest joys were spending time with his family playing cards and eating popcorn. R.H. passed away at St. Luke's Lutheran Home in Spencer on Friday, November 10, 2006 at the age of 82. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, T.J. Haaland, Jr., a sister-in-law, Phyllis Guthrie, and four nephews. He is survived by his wife, Verneta of Spencer; his children: Russell, Jr. and his wife, Leoma Haaland of Spencer, Geoff and his wife, Connie Haaland of Denver, CO, Marneta and her husband, Richard Miller of Ames, IA and Jacalyn Haaland and her husband, Allan Dandy of Rossie, IA; four grandchildren: Dr. Tracy and her husband, Dr. Jerry Cowan, Dr. Wendy Haaland and her friend, Dave Stone, Carrie Miller and friend, Ryan Dodd, and Eric Miller and his wife, Angie; 2 great grandsons: Max and Jack Cowan; two honorary grandchildren: Brad Chamberlain and Brenda (Chamberlain) Brandt; one brother, Verne and his wife, Dorothy Haaland of Cedar Rapids, IA; a sister-in-law, Helen Haaland of Royal, IA; a brother-in-law, Ed Guthrie of Milford, IA; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

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