Russell Emmons

Russell D. Emmons Russell Dean Emmons was born on the family farm in Pipestone County, Minnesota, on June 7, 1937, the son of Reynolds and Leonora (Goettsch) Emmons. He attended country school and graduated from Canby High School where he participated on the football and basketball teams. Russell continued his education by going to airline school and was hired by Ozark Airlines. On September 14, 1957, Russell was united in marriage to LuAnn Giese in Canby. The couple lived in Rockford, Illinois, where Russell was employed by Ozark Airlines and then moved for a short period of time to Austin, Minnesota, before the couple settled in Sioux Falls where Russell continued his career as Station Manager for Ozark Airlines. After a 37 year career in the airline industry Russell retired in 1992, and with his wife, LuAnn, moved to Alexandria where they had spent many summers at their cabin Russell enjoyed hunting and fishing and as a youth enjoyed riding horses. Russell died on March 7, 2011, at his home at the age of 73 years. He is survived by his children Todd (Sandy) Emmons of Alexandria and Kelly (Kevin) Beilke of Alexandria; grandchildren Katelyn Beilke and Alex Emmons; great-grandchild Kameron Nuriddin; brothers Glenn (Fern) Emmons of Canby and Ron (Janice) Emmons of St. Michael; sister Louis (Cotton) Johnson of Hendriks; and sisters-in-law Helen Emmons of Starbuck and Della Emmons of Canby. A funeral service was held on Friday, March 11, 2011, at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Minnesota, with Rev. Mark Astrup officiating. Music was provided by Sandy Buckner and the Calvary Saturday Night Band. Interment was in the Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria, Minnesota, with Wendell Giese, Douglas Giese, Wayne Giese, Jason Emmons, Brad Johnson, Keith Johnson, Michael Emmons, and Jeff Emmons serving as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers were Greg Emmons, Cotton Johnson, Ron Emmons, Glenn Emmons and Derek Emmons.