Russell Stevens

Russell Allen Stevens was born on August 30, 1925 to William and Hannah (Stoneberg) Stevens on the family farm near Chandler, Minnesota. He grew up on the farm, attending country school nearby and then Chandler High School, graduating in 1943. After graduating, he worked in Alaska for the summer and upon his return to Minnesota he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. During his time in the service, he participated in the invasion and battle of Iwo Jima and was wounded during his time there. After returning to Pearl Harbor for surgery relating to his injury, he was sent to Japan during the occupation period after the war had ended. On March 30, 1946, he was honorably discharged. When he returned, he attended Mankato State University and while there, met his future wife at a dance. When he saw Althea dancing he walked up to her and said, “I am going to marry you.” On May 28, 1949, Russ was united in marriage to Althea Hippauf at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato. Their marriage was blessed with two children and 69 years of companionship. In 1950, Russ graduated from Mankato State and began working for Standard Oil Company (now BP/Amoco). He took a job as a salesman for them and moved to Pipestone. After a few years he began working for Production Credit Association retiring as branch manager. He retired in 1985 and continued to enjoy living at home and wood working in his shop. Five years ago they moved into Ridgeview Estates in Pipestone. In September of 2018, Russ entered the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, Minnesota where he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22, 2018 at the age of 93 years, two months, and 22 days.

Russ was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone. He loved to dance through the years, sing, and go hunting and fishing. He had a beautiful singing voice that his family enjoyed hearing. Sports were a source of great joy for Russ; he loved golfing, watching Minnesota sports teams play, listening to ballgames on the radio, and watching his grandchildren play various sports.

Russ is lovingly remembered by his wife, Althea of Pipestone; two children, Mark (Lynn) Stevens of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Nancy Oye of Pipestone; five grandchildren, Angie McConnell, Dan (Alycia) Oye, Nic (Jenny) Stevens, Matt (Mehgan) Oye, and Stacy (Derek) TerWee; seven great-grandchildren, Kaleb McConnell, Gabe Stevens, Tom Stevens, Makenzie Oye, Adilynn Oye, Liam Oye, and Emerie Oye. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Frank; and four sisters, Mae, Doris, Berneice, and Stella.