Date of Birth:
Friday, November 24, 1916
Date of Death:
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Age:
94 years old

Russell F. Predmore

The funeral for Russell Predmore will be at 10:30am, Tuesday November 29^th, at Marion Church of Christ, with Pastor Rick Walston officiating.  Burial will follow at the Marion cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00pm, Monday November 28^th, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Mr. Predmore, 94, of Marion, died Tuesday, November 22, at Sunrise Cottages in Rochester, surrounded by his family.  Mr. Predmore had been in good health until Saturday November 12^th, when he suffered a head injury as a result of a fall.  Russell had been a resident at Sunrise Cottages since February of this year.

Russell was born in his lifelong home of Marion MN, on November 24^th, 1916.  He was the only child of Millard and Ada Predmore.  He attended grade school in Marion and graduated from Rochester High School in 1934. After high school, he was employed by the Rochester Post Office until enlisting in the Army, July 31^st 1942, at Fort Snelling.  After entering the service, Russell traveled to California, where he trained in the motorcycle core and was classified as Mail Clerk 056.  Harley Davidson motorcycles were an interest throughout his life, and he was a member of the local motorcycle club. He then was assigned to Ireland, followed by Scotland, the European Theater, then after traveling through the Panama Canal to the Pacific Theater, he was then stationed in the Philippines and then occupied Japan.  The highlight of Russell’s time serving our country happened when he was stationed in Ireland, for that is where he met the love of his life, Doreen Montgomery, when he attended the Antrim Road Baptist Church.  Russell married Doreen on July 23^rd, 1945.  After the wedding they were only able to be together a short while before Russell was transferred.

Following three and a half years of service in World War II, Russell returned home to Minnesota alone and regained employment at the local Post office.  In 1946, Russell and Doreen were reunited in America when Doreen arrived on the bride ship Queen Elizabeth.  Russell met her in New York, and they traveled by train home to Marion MN.  Russell and Doreen lived with his parents until he was able to build their own home with the help of their friends.  They moved into that home in 1950, and there raised three children, Lawrence, Raymond, and Maureen.

Russell retired from the Post Office in 1974 at the age of 58, after 33 years of service. Russell was a lifelong member of the Marion Church of Christ where he was an Elder for many years.  He was an avid collector, and was well known at the many auctions he attended. Russell collected guns, knives, antiques, and antique tools.  He was a member of the Zumbro Valley Arms Collectors, Minnesota Weapons Collectors, The NRA, The Northstar Blade Collectors, and Antique Tool Collectors.  Russell was also a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and served as their treasurer for many years. .

Russell was creative and industrial, a man before his time.  He was always solving puzzles and predicaments, fixing and building, and tinkering and constructing.  Even as a youngster he was a problem solver. As a child he desired a bicycle, but his family could not afford to buy him one, so he claimed a pig from Uncle Henry as his own, and named it “Bicycle”.  The money raised after the pig was grown funded his first real bicycle.

Russell and Doreen spent many wonderful summers at their second home on Long Lake, near Park Rapids, where they were frequently joined by children and grandchildren. He was a loving husband, wonderful Dad, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and friend.  Russell was always kind, gentle, and loving. He was an avid reader, and usually had a wise opinion which he would express to others and often shared with in letters to the local editor.

Russell was always hardworking and active; he loved woodworking, animals, fishing and hunting. He hunted deer until he was over 91 years old, and shot his last buck when he was 89.  He loved to hike in the woods, and even in his latest years, could be seen walking the streets of Marion. He was very knowledgeable and loved to share his thoughts, ideas, wisdom, and jokes with his friends and family.

Russell is survived by his children Lawrence (Susan) Predmore of Predmore, Raymond (Pam) Predmore of Marion, and daughter Maureen (Jim) Newell of Marion.  His seven grandchildren, Sarah (Cini Morn) Predmore, Ryan (Melinda) Predmore, Kelly (Todd) Predmore-Rodgers, Robert Predmore, Jessica (Luke) Wittkop, Ira (Gina) Newell, and Laura (Ryan) Lowry.  His great-grandchildren Kacy, Eric, and Ray Morn, Aaron Wittkop, and Aria Newell.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Doreen who passed away October 18^th of this year.

Russell will be greatly missed by us all but we feel this was God’s way of reuniting Mom and Dad who loved each other for over 66 years. We all share the hope and faith of all being together again one day in our Heavenly home, with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com