Russell Smith

Russell L. Smith, 82, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, September 29, 2009, at his home under the care of Lakeland Hospice. He was born July 27, 1927, in Breckenridge, the son of John and Delilah (Wolters) Smith. As a child, he moved with his family to Fergus Falls, where he attended school. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany and Austria during World War II as an ambulance driver.  Russell was discharged in 1947 and returned to Fergus Falls. On July 17, 1947, he married Gertrude Johnson at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls. They continued to make their home in Fergus Falls until the time of his death. Over the years, he worked at the bakery, for A.B. Kilde Co., and Worner Auto Sales,  retiring in 1987 as foreman in the auto body shop. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, a life long member of the VFW, and belonged to the Fergus Falls Sr. Citizen group where he enjoyed playing cards and pool. He was also a Boy Scout leader, loved to hunt, fish, golf, and was a MN Twins and Vikings fan. He enjoyed his family, especially his grand and great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, a brother, Roger and a son, Russell Jr. Survivors include his wife, Gertrude of Fergus Falls; two children, Diane (Dennis) Ewert of Fergus Falls and Bruce (Sheri) Smith of Ponsford; four grandchildren, Chris (Stephanie) Ewert, Melissa (Lee) Keller, Hope (Chris) Barta and Lynn Smith; eight great-grandchildren, Megan and Jace Ewert, Alyssa Erickson, Alanna and Aleah Keller and Mattyson, Allison and Ashton Barta; three brothers, Alvin (Faye) Smith of Oregon, Richard (Dee) Smith of Iowa and Larry (Toni) Smith of Oregon; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation:  One hour prior to the service at Olson Funeral Home Service:   2 pm Saturday, October 3, 2009, at the Olson Funeral Home Chapel, Clergy:   Reverend Curtis Deterding Interment:  Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com