Irene Adeline Russell

IRENE ADELINE RUSSELL April 7, 1931 – March 29, 2018    Irene Adeline Russell, age 86, a long time Osage area resident, peacefully passed into eternity on Thursday, March 29, 2018 surrounded by her loved ones at the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga, MN.    Irene was born on April 7, 1931 in Wahpeton, North Dakota to Arnold & Margaret (Meyer) Wolter. Her parents farmed near Wahpeton, ND where she attended country school. As a young woman, Irene worked as a waitress in Wahpeton where she met her future husband, Nelson Russell. The two were united in marriage on April 28, 1951. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Nancy, Denny, Shelley and Lori. They made their home in Wahpeton until 1962, when they purchased a farm near Osage, MN. Irene devoted her life to making a loving home for her husband and children. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her delicious homemade donuts, caramel rolls, breads and Sunday dinners. For many years, she would plant a large vegetable garden and nurture it into an abundant harvest to preserve for her growing family. Her pickles were always a family favorite. She adored her animals and was especially fond of her cats. During their retirement years, she and Nelson enjoyed taking their children and grandchildren on many travel adventures with their motor home throughout the US and Canada. She was a long time faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. Above all, Irene treasured the time she could spend with her family with all her heart.    She will be remembered by her four children: Nancy Uselman of Osage, MN, Denny (Norine) Russell of Mathis, Texas, Shelley Russell of Park Rapids, MN and Lori (Jim) Neigel of Fergus Falls, MN; five grandchildren: Annie (RJ) McCarthy of Park Rapids, MN, Tera (Brian) Garlie of Park Rapids, MN, Ryan Robbins of Lake George, MN, Lacey Jo (Ryan) Mirus of Platteville, CO, Brandon Neigel of Fargo, ND; seven great grandchildren; as well as other relatives and friends.    She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Nelson in 2012 and one great grandson Isaiah Forseman.    Funeral services will be held 1 PM Thursday, April 12, 2018 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, MN with the Rev. James Neubauer officiating. The organist will be Mary Nepsund and the soloist will be her granddaughter, Lacey Mirus. The active casket bearers will be: Annie and RJ McCarthy, Tera and Brian Garlie, Ryan Robbins, Lacey Jo and Ryan Mirus, and Brandon Neigel. The honorary casket bearers will be: Mercedes Forseman, Madison Robbins, Ethan Forseman, Mason McCarthy, Zachary Garlie and Samuel Garlie. Interment will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. The church family will host a luncheon following the service.    To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com