John Wayne Russell

John Wayne Russell

John Wayne Russell

John Wayne Russell
April 25, 1931 – August 23, 2016
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 85

John Russell, 85, of Oskaloosa passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2016, at the MHP Hospice Services Serenity House in Oskaloosa.

John Wayne Russell was born April 25, 1931, in Iowa City, Iowa. He spent his first few years of life at the Iowa Soldiers’ Orphans’ Home in Davenport. John was brought home to Oskaloosa by his parents, Clifford and Elizabeth (Mulbrook) Russell as a youngster.

John attended Prine School through eighth grade. He went on to graduate from Oskaloosa High School in 1949.

After school, John went to work at Rolscreen in Pella.

John was drafted into the U.S. Army in January 1952. He served two years in the army, including a nine month deployment to Korea with the Third Infantry Division.

After his discharge, he returned to Oskaloosa and worked at Rolscreen (Pella Corporation). He worked in the carpenter shop at Pella Corp. for most of the 42 years he was with the company.

July 2, 1960, he was united in marriage to Lola Kay Thompson. They remained in Oskaloosa where they raised their three children.

John was an over 70 year member of the Central United Methodist Church where he served as an usher for many years.

He enjoyed woodworking, collecting coins and stamps, and riding his motorcycles and bicycles. John will be remembered for his gentle demeanor, generous nature, consistent resiliency and quirky sense of humor.

His family includes his wife, Kay of Oskaloosa; and his children: Michael Russell of Oskaloosa, Todd Russell of Florida, and Sarah Russell of Des Moines.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

As was John’s wish, his body has been cremated.
A Private burial of his ashes will be in Forest Cemetery. Garland-Van Arkel-Langkamp Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers or memorials, please consider an act of kindness for someone in need.

Posted by on Aug 24 2016. Filed under Obituaries. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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