Donald Gary Russell

Donald G. Russell, age 80, passed into the loving arms of his Savior on Saturday morning, April 25, 2026 at his residence in Fridley, Minnesota. Don was born at the family farm in Jump River, Wisconsin at 4:00 A.M. on March 24, 1946. Don was the last of six living children born to his parents. Although Don had many friends among his classmates, his most treasured playmates were his nieces and nephews. There was an abundance of them thanks to his prolific siblings. Don thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent with each and all of them and had fond memories of the time spent with his nieces and nephews. The memories of his time spent with his nieces and nephews remained vivid for Don to his dying day. Don graduated from Gilman High School in May, 1964. The FFA boys went to Canada on a fishing trip. Don had “earned” the trip by working at the Perkinstown Winter Sports Center for all the years he was in high school. On July 1, 1964 Don enlisted in the Marine Corps for three years. If asked about this, Don may have replied “I’m glad I did that. I couldn’t do it again.” After his enlistment, Don settled in Minnesota. Don graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering in June, 1972. Don was employed in an engineering capacity most of his work life. Don was very family oriented and assisted his father-in-law with the family farm until Art’s retirement. Don’s daughter, Trina, blessed Don and Joan with five grandchildren spread out over 20 years. Therefore, Don and Joan (Grandpa and Grandma) had two sets of Grandchildren. They loved all of them dearly, recognizing the differences and enjoying each grandchild for their strengths and differing personalities. Most important to Don was his family. Don loved and enjoyed spending time with his family.

Don is survived by his wife Joan, his daughter Trina (Edwin) Gallagher, and his five grandchildren Sean, Caitlin, Eagan, Keira, and Erynne. Along with his brother Ivan Russell of Cambridge, MN. In addition, numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

Don was preceded in death by father Edwin, his mother, Inga, two brothers Dwight and Melvin, who both died at birth, his sisters Ethel Iverson, Helen Wachsmuth, Rose Sweet and Bette Mae Dorova.

Don donated his body to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program. A memorial in his honor will be on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Fridley United Methodist Church, 680 Mississippi St. NE, Fridley, MN 55432. Visitation will begin at 10am followed by service at 11am. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.