Emerson "Whitey" Russman

EMERSON 'WHITEY' KEITH RUSSMAN was born on June 18, 1936 to George and Tina (Huisman) Russman in Orange City, Iowa. He was raised in Little Rock, Iowa and attended school, graduating from Little Rock High School with the Class of ’54. In 1957, Whitey enlisted into the United States Army and honorably served our country until his discharge in 1963. On November 9, 1957 Whitey was united in marriage to Gloria Zylstra at the First Presbyterian Church in Little Rock. In 1959, he began working at the local Skelley Gas Station. He then owned and operated a television repair shop from 1962 until 1964. Whitey furthered his education at Wayne State University in Nebraska, graduating in 1970. Following his schooling, Whitey moved his family to Luverne, Minnesota, where he then began teaching Industrial Arts until his formal retirement in 1998. Whitey continued to work at school when needed until 2004. In 2004, he and Gloria moved to Red Wing, Minnesota to be closer to their family. Whitey was diagnosed with ALS in May of 2016. On Thursday, September 15, 2016, Whitey died peacefully at his home with family by his side at the age of 80 years, two months and 27 days.

Whitey was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. He served on the Rock County Fair Board as a director for many years. He was also a member of the Luverne Optimist Club, Eagle’s Club and Luverne County Club. He enjoyed sports, woodworking, fishing, hiking, spending time at the cabin and traveling. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whitey enjoyed teaching his students and many times went beyond the books to help teach them life lessons. He spent his life lending his talents to assist anyone in need.

Whitey is lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Gloria of Red Wing; three children, Tammie (Shawn) Dougherty of Red Wing, Valerie (Kelly) Pap of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, and Von (Lynn) Russman of Lino Lakes; seven grandchildren, Tara, Caitlin, Casey, Jordan, Tanner, Maren and Ian; four great-grandchildren, Sullivan, Emerson, Harper and Jameson; three siblings, Evelyn (Dick) Kruse of Little Rock, Twyla Voss of Little Rock, and Steve Russman of Red Wing; and many other friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Tanner; and a brother-in-law, Willis Voss.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.