Souder, Russell (1927-2008)

SOUDER, KRUEGER, MOBLEY, HIGGINS, LENNING, KNUTSON

Posted By: Colleen Ossman (email)
Date: 6/15/2008 at 16:37:31

(Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA, 20 Feb 2008)

Russell Souder, son of John and Mable (Krueger) Souder, was born Sept. 25, 1927 at Jamaica, IA and departed this life Feb. 18, 2008 at his home in Jefferson. He lived his life to the age of 80 years, 4 months and 13 days.

Russ attended country school in Greenbrier Township in Greene County and later attended high school in Jefferson and graduated from Bagley High School in 1945.

On June 4, 1945, Russell was united in marriage to Donita Mobley at a church parsonage in Jefferson. To this union was born a daughter, Diane. After their marriage, Russ worked as a farmhand in the Yale area. Later they moved to Bagley where Russ worked in a machine shop and for area farmers. In 1956, they rented a farm near Bagley, and in 1957, moved to a farm southeast of Jefferson. In 1990, Russell and Donita purchased their present home. He continued to farm until his retirement in 1993. While living in the Jefferson area, Russ also worked for the Coil Welding and Conroy Welding shops for many years. Russell was a former member of the Jefferson Presbyterian Church. His main hobby was working with stained glass. He enjoyed working with metal and made various items from metal such as waterfall and wind sculptures. One of his special activities was playing board games with his family.

Russell is survived by his wife, Donita; a daughter, Diane Higgins of Webster City; a granddaughter Karilynne Lenning of Webster City; two great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Karter; a sister, Betty Knutson of Des Moines; and special friends, his dog Maggie and cat Petunia.

Funeral services are Saturday, Feb. 23 at 11 a.m. at the Brown Funeral Home in Jefferson with Rev. David Simonson officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Jefferson City Cemetery.