Russell Thomas Dunford
Thursday, August 26, 1937
Date of Death:
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Age:
80 years old
Thursday, August 26, 1937
Date of Death:
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Age:
80 years old
Thursday, August 26, 1937
Date of Death:
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Age:
80 years old
Russell Thomas Dunford
Russell “Russ” Thomas Dunford, 80, of Rochester passed away April 29, 2018 at Samaritan Bethany after a short stay.
Visitation for Russ will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, May 2 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. A private family service will be held. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens.
Russ was born August 26, 1937 to Russell George and Agnes Josie (Costello) in Rochester. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1955, where he played football and was active in the FFA and 4H.
Russ married Rebecca Ann Ketchum of Rochester, his high school sweetheart on June 15, 1957. The couple raised their family on Marion Road alongside his parents. He worked at Roth’s Food Store until he started working at Ace Hardware on South Broadway at age 16, retiring from there at age 65. He then worked delivering parts for Scharf Auto until December 2015 when he retired due to his health.
Survivors include his wife, Rebecca; children, Martie (Dan) Whiting of Rochester, Julie (Bob) Wagner of Oronoco, Thomas (Hollie) Dunford of Rochester, Kelli Yennie of Rochester, and Carol Dunford of Rochester; ten grandchildren, Shane (Jenna) Whiting, Katie (James) Arnott, Rebecca and Kaci Wagner, Brooke Yennie, Zachary and Emily Dunford, Rachel and Ryan Liebenow, and Dylan Bouchie; three great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Quinn Arnott and Driver Whiting. He is also survived by his sisters, Mabel Pierce and JoAnn (Richard) Volker of Rochester, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Russ loved his family, camping, hunting, and fishing with his grandkids, playing softball with his son, and meeting for coffee with his longtime friends. He was a longtime Eagles Club member and a lifelong-dedicated Minnesota sports fan, even when they lost. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his love of laughter, and a strong work ethic that he instilled in his family.
The family would like to thank Samaritan Bethany, Seasons Hospice, and St. Mary’s nurses and doctors for all their care and support.
Condolences
The family of Russell Thomas Dunford has received the following condolences.
So sorry for your loss. I met Russ and Becky while I worked at Money Creek Haven. What a wonderful person. Many memories visiting with him. Love and prayers to all of you.
Barb and I would like to send or condolences in your time of loss. Having the privilege to know and work with many of the Dunford clan gave me the opportunity to meet Russ on numerous occasions. Truly a family man and one of the "good ones".
Bob and Barb Plenge
Dear Becky and family, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of Russ. May God give you his Love, strength, comfort and peace. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Tom, Hollie and family-
We are so sorry to hear of your loss, please know that we are thinking about you and your family.
I used to see Russ as his nurse in a research study done at Mayo Clinic. I looked forward to seeing him each visit. He was such a nice, easy-going man. He was always so complimentary of his wonderful family. His love for his family was so embedded in his heart.
I was an army reservist in Rochester also and he would always comment when he would see us run by his home while running for our physical fitness test.
So sorry to hear about your loss. May your heart be filled with warm thoughts and treasured moments of Russ.
God bless,
Diane
Becky and Family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Russ. It has been a long time since we have
been in touch, but we have good memories of Russ from some of the Lovejoy family get-togethers.
Rod and Lilas Herrick
I am so sorry for your loss Becky and family. Russ was truly an unforgettable man and I was very blessed to have him in my life for the time that I did. I will always treasure the memories of you at Money Creek and all the wonderful and happy times we shared. My only regret is that we did not stay in touch after the flood but I promise to be better at that from now on. I truly miss all of you in my life but I will never forget Russ and his silly smile and awesome sense of humor. Rest in peace Russ and know you left an irreplaceable void in all our hearts. Love you
Dear Martie and Dan and family.
i am so sorry for your loss, and I pray for each of you to have peace in your hearts in the knowledge that he is with God and your loved ones in Heaven. I did not know Russell, but have heard so many wonderful things about him. You are a beautiful family and I know he loved each of you so much. Treasure all the wonderful memories you have and share them with others. He will always be a great part of you all!
Much love to your family!! God bless you.
The Dunford Family ~
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Russ.
It's been years since we have seen Russ & Becky from the days of camping at Money Creek Haven in Houston, MN.
Russ was always a joker, had a smile to share and was able to make everyone laugh that was around him.
Were sending our thoughts, prayers and hugs to everyone during this difficult time.
The LaSarge Family...
Jim & Kathy
Chris, Tanner & Jeyden
Tracy, Mike, Austin & Myah
Holmen / Onalaska, WI
Dunford family ~ I am so so very sorry for your loss. I know this pain is so hard - I pray for God's peace that passes all understanding - that even in the pain of losing that you feel a peace that is overwhelming. Such a wonderful, great and honorable man - he loved his family so much!! I am praying for your mom and your whole family that you feel His presence in the days and months to come. My second family - I love you all so much and wish I could be there to love on each of you!!
Tracy Johnson
Becky and family
We are very sorry for your loss. Russ was special and i always enjoyed visiting with him.
May you cherish all the memories with your family.
Chuck and Mary Kay Springer