Russell D. Richardson, age 91, of Canton, Minn., passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, surrounded by family.
Russell was born September 19, 1926, in Bristol, to Carl and Hazel (Turnmire) Richardson. He attended school in Harmony. In 1945 he entered the United States Army, where he was a truck driver and light equipment operator. Following his return from his service, he worked for Ramlo Construction. On November 13, 1948, he was united in marriage to Alice Brandt at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Decorah, Iowa. They lived their entire married life in Canton. In 1969 Russell started working for Bruening Rock Products in Decorah. He had an excellent work ethic, and was a skilled machine operator, foreman, and mentor to the younger workers. He continued to work at Bruening, looking forward to another year. He was a devoted member of the Assumption Catholic Church and had served on the Canton City Council for many years. He lived similar to work, having good life ethics, was non-judgmental, and showed the importance of his family and church. Russell enjoyed carpentry and working with stone and metal.
Russell is survived by four children: Richard (Chris) of Canton, Jim (Wendy) of Canton, Mary Hansen of Beloit, Wis., and Patty Richardson of Canton; daughter-in-law Barb Richardson of Bettendorf, Iowa; son-in-law John Petersen of Mabel; 10 grandchildren: Kelly (Kevin) Biel, Bill (Carla) Richardson, Mike Richardson, Amy Richardson, Eric (Allison) Petersen, Jennifer Petersen, Sara Richardson, Evan Richardson, Benjamin Hansen, and Bethany Hansen; several great-grandchildren, a brother, Mike (Bonnie) Richardson of the Twin Cities; longtime special friend Val Christensen, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Alice; a son, Dan; a daughter, Sue Petersen; a grandson, Matthew Hansen; and brothers and sister Gaylon, Gene, and Marge.
Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Monday, April 30, 2018, at the Assumption Catholic Church in Canton, Minn., with Father Edward McGrath officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Canton with military honors. Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. Sunday, April 29 at the Assumption Catholic Church with the Rosary at 6:30. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.