Dick Russell, age 81, died Saturday, Feb. 4, after a courageous 7 ½-year battle with pancreatic cancer. His courage and positive attitude were so recognized, the Lemmen-Holton doctors and staff asked if he would mentor others fighting this horrible disease.

Dick was an avid outdoorsman and after his diagnosis still found a way to enjoy the things he loved most — skeet shooting, hunting, fishing, stock car racing, and most of all his family. Dick was also a U.S. Navy veteran, serving aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Weeks and participating in the Bay of Pigs invasion just before the Cuban missile crisis.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sandra; children Rick (Kim) Russell of Shelbyville and Julie (Eric) Smith of Wayland; sister, Evelyn Russell of Bradenton, FL; granddaughters Samantha Sager and Cassondra Smith; great-granddaughters Savannah and Makenzie Lemmon.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents Leroy and Reah Russell; sister, Norma; daughter, Terri; in-laws Elgin and Annis Fuller.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home, 312 N. Main St., Wayland, Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 9, 2023 at the funeral home, with visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.