Russell James Ernest Hall died Friday, May 30, 2008 at the age of 80 years, 10 months.
He was born July 7, 1927 in Mentor, Minn., to Ernest and Ellen (Casmy) Hall, the seventh child of 17 children. They moved to International Falls when he was 7 years old. He attended school in Ranier and International Falls.
He went in the United States Army on Sept. 20, 1950 until being honorably discharged Sept. 20, 1952. He was one of the first draftees from the International Falls area for the Korean War. For the first six months of his duty he was a pallbearer at Arlington National Cemetery. After his tour of duty, he completed high school and took some college courses through the ICS.
On Sept. 16, 1950, he was united in marriage to I. Renie Bzdok at the St. Thomas Rectory by Fr. LaMontagne. To this union was born two children, Julie (Butch) Lund and John (Cindy) Hall.
He worked for Mando which later became Boise Cascade for 32 years until taking an early retirement after a work accident in 1976.
In his younger years he was an avid hunter, trapper and fisherman. He was a pool league member in International Falls for many years. He especially enjoyed his hunting cabin for over 30 years on the Haney Road.
Russ and Renie moved to Baudette, Minn., in January of 1990. He really enjoyed his vegetable garden and especially enjoyed sharing the produce with friends, neighbors and family. He was well known for the tomatoes he grew.
Russ was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Moose, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and the Brink Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Charles, Clarence, Woodrow, Howard LeRoy and Gordon; his sisters, Delores, Grace, Betty, Rosalee; and his beloved black Lab, “January.”
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Renie; one daughter, Julie (Butch) Lund of Baudette; one son, John (Cindy) Hall of Gilbert, Minn.; a grandson, Larry (Bruzie) Lund of Hawley; one great-grandson, Javen Lund; his brothers, Everett (Bernette), Clair, Fred (Loretta); and sisters, Martha, Doris and Ina Mae.
According to his wishes, there will be no funeral.
A graveside service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 5, at Elm Park Cemetery. Military honors will be by the Baudette Veteran Ceremonial Squad.
Arrangements have been entrusted with the Helgeson Funeral Home of Baudette.