Huff, Russell E. 1896-1964

HUFF, TIEDEN, KERR

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke --Volunteer
Date: 9/26/2015 at 23:47:56

Source: Hawarden Independent (5-7-1964)

Birth: September 17, 1896
Death: May 1, 1964

RIFLE ACCIDENT TAKES LIFE OF RUSSELL HUFF
Rites Held Monday For Esteemed Union County Resident

A tragic accident last Friday morning, May l, took the life of Russell E. Huff, 68, well-known and respected resident of Union county, South Dakota, at his farm eight miles west of Akron, instant death resulting from a gun-shot wound in the head. It seems he had been having trouble with badgers on his farm, and, after killing one with a hammer, decided to use another method. Taking a high powered .22-caliber rifle to the barn, he was apparently in the act of cleaning the weapon, as several shells laid on the floor, when it was accidentally discharged. When Mr. Huff's son, Larry, went to the barn to drive his auto to Vermillion, where he is a freshman student at the University, he was shocked to find his father's body lying on the floor. Death was ruled accidental by the Union county coroner and sheriff upon investigation, and the body was taken to the Anderson funeral home in Elk Point.

Mr. Huff was born September 17, 1896, at Taylorville, Illinois. He moved to Union County with his parents Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Huff in 1918 and farmed there until his death. He married Ethel Kerr in February, 1927. She died in August, 1936. He married Etta Tieden on June 2, 1943 at Hawarden, Iowa.

Survivors besides the widow include two daughters, Mrs. Lorraine Gabbert of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Mrs. Shirley Johnson of Salt Lake City, Utah; two sons, Eldon of Akron, Iowa, and Lawrence, at home; two sisters, Mrs. George Schroeder and Mrs. Gladys Oliver, both of Sioux City, and nine grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at Brule Creek Lutheran Church, Union county, Reverend Kermit Rye officiating. Pallbearers were George Wilken, Orville Welch, August Huebner, Paul Lamoureux, Ralph Smith, and Julius Ball. Interment was in Akron Riverside cemetery. There was a large attendance of friends at the services and an outpouring of sympathy to the relatives so suddenly and sadly bereft.