Russell Marvin Hayes, 92, a longtime Stewartville, Minn. resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Allina Hospital in Owatonna.
Russell was the sixth of ten boys born on January 5, 1934, to Lester and Blanche (Nelson) Hayes in Webster City, Iowa. His early years were spent on the family farm outside Woolstock, Iowa before the family moved into Webster City. Russell graduated from Webster City’s Lincoln High School in 1952 and worked briefly as a driver for his brother at Bob’s trucking company. On March 5, 1953, he enlisted into the United States Army. In recognition of his math proficiency, he was sent to artillery school at Fort Sill, Okla. He was deployed with the 1st FAOB (Field Artillery Observation Battery) to Korea as a PFC in the fall of 1953. His primary role there was teaching other artillery spotters in the very tense period following the signing of the Armistice earlier that year. He also spent time visiting children in the orphanages of Pusan and Seoul. Russell was enormously proud of his service and arrived in Seattle, Wash. on the troop ship Marine Phoenix on January 3, 1955, and was discharged on January 11, 1955.
Following his Army service, Russell, returned to Webster City, Iowa and worked for Stepp Electric. Russell was married to Maryon Dodge of Webster City on January 8, 1956. By 1960 the couple had relocated to Rosemount, Minn. for Russell’s work with People’s Natural Gas. During his time in Rosemount, Russell was elected Justice of the Peace, married one couple and gave out a speeding ticket. In 1961, they moved to LaCrescent, Minn. where Russell was given his own People’s office to manage and served as the Chairman of the Apple Festival in 1963 and 1964. People’s transferred him to Stewartville, Minn. in late 1964 and then to Preston, Minn. in 1966, where he resided for about 10 years. Russell was active on Preston’s Town Council from 1967 to 1973 and a member of the town’s volunteer ambulance service. Russell and Maryon divorced in 1973. While married, the couple had three children together, John, Jeff and Betsy.
Russell married Connie Kier in Webster City, Iowa on October 22, 1977, and the couple settled in Stewartville where they welcomed their son, Ryan. Russell continued his career with People’s Natural Gas, retiring after 37 years. He drove part-time for Grisim Bus in Stewartville for 17 years and was named Minn. Transportation Specialist of the Year in 2003. During their time in Stewartville, Russell and Connie were founding members of Grace Evangelical Free Church and he was a member of the Stewartville American Legion Post 164. Russell was an avid golfer, taught golf etiquette to young golfers at Oak Summit Golf Course, and was an active adult leader of the Boy Scout Troop 56 in Stewartville. Russell enjoyed time spent with his family, working on projects, and especially enjoyed following his grandchildren’s school and sporting activities.
Russell is survived by children John (Jimanne) Hayes of Marina, Calif., Jeff (Tish) Hayes of Des Moines, Iowa, Betsy (Dao Nguyen) Hayes of Coon Rapids, Minn., Ryan (Bridget) Hayes of Owatonna, Minn., grandchildren Sarah, Shayne (Sasha) Hayes, Riley (Jake) Speer, Andrew, Belle, Ella, Addy and Samuel, youngest brother Teddy (Jeri) Hayes of Webster City, Iowa, sister-in-laws, step-children, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Connie, parents Lester and Blanche Hayes, eight brothers and step-son Jeff Eaton.
A private family committal service will be held for Russell at the Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery in Preston at a later date. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray FH in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Russell are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.
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