Block, Russell Dean (1929-2004)

BLOCK, RULE

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 2/5/2023 at 16:03:02

Daily Freeman Journal
Webster City, Iowa
Wednesday, April 21, 2004

Russell Dean Block, the 4th son of Nels and Jessie Block, was born on a farm on November 17, 1929 near Irwin, Iowa. He grew up during the hard times of the depression attending the Consolidated School in Kirkman until his family moved into the town of Harlan in 1940. During his years at Harlan High, Russ participated in many high school musicals and made the All-State Football Team. Graduating in 1947 he had a football scholarship to Simpson College. After one year at Simpson he went to the University of Iowa to graduate with a degree in Liberal Arts with a major in Economics in 1954 after serving two years in Europe during the Korean War. Upon his graduation he was employed by the Phillips Petroleum Company as a sales representative in the Des Moines, Iowa division office. There he met and married at the age of 26, Donna Louise Rule. They moved to Webster City, Iowa in 1960 and began an association with the Luppes Oil Company which Russ purchased in 1969 after the death of Herman P. Luppes, changing the name to Block Oil Company, which was sold in 1989, when Russ retired to Naples, Florida.

Russ was active in the First Congregational Church as a choir member, Trustee, Deacon and Youth leader. He was a past president of the Rotary Club, active in the Chamber of Commerce and took part in several musicals of the Webster City Theater.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Donna, a son, William Bradford, and brothers Harold and Gene Block. He is survived by his brother, Nels Block Jr., Harlan, three sons: Gregg (Cindy) of Livermore, Iowa, Jeff (Susan) of Grayslake, Illinois, Dan (Lori) of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and seven grandchildren.

A memorial coffee for close family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 1 at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Harlan, Iowa.