Robert W. Russell

Robert “Bob” Wayne Russell left this world on October 20 to join the love of his life. Bob was born in Minneapolis on September 12, 1928. His parents were Paul and Alice Bergstrand Russell. He was their second child. He attended 13 schools and eventually graduated from Central High School. He entered the Army after High School. Upon completion of his enlistment, he was hired by Northwest Orient Airlines. He remained with them until falling in love with Hilda “Mae” Norman who also worked for Northwest Orient Airlines. Steward and stewardesses were not allowed to be married, so they ended their employment with the airline. Bob continued his employment with Honeywell. He took pilot instructions to become a pilot shortly afterwards with the hope of getting hired by the airlines. He ended up staying with Honeywell and retired from there in 1983. He took up motorcycle riding in the 1970’s. He would ride all over the Twin Cities and even to Sturgis a time or two. After retirement, he started roller skating and dancing. He would show off his skills several times a week. Even at 90 years young, he could still “cut a rug.” Bob and Mae had 49 years of happiness and 5 children. Bob is preceded in death by his father, Paul, his mother, Alice, his wife, Mae, his siblings, Gordon, John and Carol Stuhr, son in law, David Schesso, daughters in law, Gerrie Russell and Shawna Russell. He is survived by his children, Cynthia (Tim) Sowa, Linda Schesso, Tom Russell, Karen (Jeff) Moen and Keith Russell, sister in law, Gloria Russell, 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.