Gifford, Russell Edward 1944-2016

GIFFORD, GRANT, SCHNECKLOTH, MELENBACKER, PINKERTON, JAHNKE

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 2/6/2016 at 08:39:43

Russell Edward Gifford, 72, of Camanche, passed away, Wednesday January 27, 2016 at his home in Camanche.

The family will receive friends from 1-3PM Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the Camanche Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Home & Crematory.

Russell was born January 5, 1944 in Clinton, Iowa, the son of LeRoy and Elsie (Grant) Gifford. He was a Camanche High School graduate, graduated from Clinton Community College in 1964 and attended Iowa State University. Russell married Judith Anna Schneckloth in 1968 at Lyons United Methodist church, she died December 3, 1993; he later married Randi Melenbacker Pinkerton, February 17, 1996 in Camanche.

Russell was a U.S. Army veteran serving in Vietnam.

He was the owner and operator of Gifford Saw and Tool in Camanche for more than 50 years.

Russell was a longtime member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, was past president and longtime member of the Camanche Historical Society, was a past board member of the Camanche Historical Board, was a driving force at the Camanche Historical Museum and was instrumental in the construction of the museum. He enjoyed spending a lot of time on the river.

He is survived by his wife, Randi of Camanche; son, James (Laura) Gifford of Camanche; daughter, Anne (Jim) Jahnke of Cedar Rapids, IA; step-son, Jerome Pinkerton of Clinton and five grandchildren.

In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Richard and Robert.

Memorials may be directed to the Veterans Hospital in Iowa City, or the Camanche Historical Society.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.snellzornig.com.