Roy D. Russell

Roy David Russell was born to Gladys and Albert Russell on September 12, 1934. He spent his childhood helping on the family farm and creating chaos all over Monroe County. Roy claimed the sheriff once banned him from town after he caused a traffic jam in the square. His mother said, “I’m so embarrassed I can’t even show my face in town,” to which Roy replied, “You’re lucky, then—I can’t go into town at all!”

In search of a good adventure, good employment, or maybe just because he was on thin ice at home, Roy moved to Washington state as a young man before settling down in Des Moines. A brief illness in his early 20s turned out to be good fortune, because Roy crossed paths with a hospital volunteer named Janet. She was an equal match for him in both stubbornness and kindness and the two were married December 22, 1956. Together they raised their three children on the south side of Des Moines. Roy taught his family to work hard and to eat well, to appreciate the outdoors, to help a neighbor when you can, and to always leave people wondering if your stories are real or made up.

Roy worked for many years at Brady Manufacturing and then in the maintenance and security departments of Des Moines Public Schools. Upon retirement, he and Janet loved to travel, especially to watch the progress of the Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota, to visit the Danish shops of Solvang, California, and to spend winters in Yuma, Arizona. Roy and his younger brother also enjoyed antique tractor shows and for many years Roy and Janet showed their 1944 John Deere Model B.

If Roy were telling you this story himself, he would say he “woke up dead” on October 13, 2024. His family would prefer to say that he died peacefully at age 90.

He will be remembered for his ornery sense of humor, his wild stories, and funny sayings; as well as his signature bib overalls. Above all, he is cherished as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Roy is survived by his children, Rusty (Sherri) Russell, Bill (Rhonda) Russell, and JoAnna Russell, as well as seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Gladys Russell; his siblings, Lawrence Russell, Dorothy Steinbach, and Melvin Russell; and his beloved wife, Janet (Griefnow) Russell.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 21, 2024, at North River Cemetery; 5392 105th Avenue, Norwalk, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.Hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

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