Gene Russell 1924-2011

RUSSELL PEDUZZI

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 6/23/2011 at 17:16:22

Sioux City Journal
10 April 2011

SIOUX CITY - Gene Russell, 87, of Sioux City was welcomed to eternal life on Friday, April 8, 2011.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Edna (Peduzzi) Russell and was blessed with seven children. Surviving children are Mary (Tom) Fleming of Sioux City; Diane (Art) Bruers of Brooklyn Center, Minn.; Sandra (Bill) LaRue of Waggaman, La.; Tom (Kathryn) Russell of Omaha; Trish (David) Coriden of La Crosse, Wis. and Columbia, Mo.; and Greg (Lisa) Russell of Omaha. Gene was also survived by his 13 grandchildren, Allison Douglas, Michele Freese, Lisa Babler, Stacy Fleming, Amy Webb, Julie Doucet, Teresa Ritter, Lindsey Audino, Elise Russell, Joseph Russell, Brett Coriden, Paige Coriden and James Eugene Russell; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Gene is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Carol Russell of Le Mars, Iowa and Mary Peduzi of Huntington Beach, Calif. He was preceded in death by his baby daughter, Norma Jean Russell; parents, Charles and Leona Russell; and brother, Robert Russell of Le Mars.

Gene was born on March 25, 1924, and raised on a farm west of Le Mars, Iowa. He graduated from Le Mars High School in 1941. He married Edna Peduzzi on June 25, 1946, at Assumption Catholic Church in Merrill, Iowa. After farming for a short time, he purchased the Culligan Soft Water franchise in South Sioux City. Gene was a founder of the Paddock Steakhouse and a district manager for Holiday Inns. He was a partner in a number of other popular Siouxland food service establishments including the Oasis, Perley's Catering, Sneakys, the Red Raven, Martin Apartment Ballroom and Edith & Joes.

Gene balanced a busy business career with a number of community service initiatives including Scoutmaster responsibilities for the St. Michael's Troop 235 and leading 16 boys to Philmont National Scout Ranch and several to their Eagle Scouting awards. Goodwill Industries recognized Gene for "outstanding assistance in the employment of special needs individuals" in 1963.

After a successful business career, Gene was an active member of the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) for 20 years and served as president of the business counseling organization. One of his most cherished accomplishments was accepting the 2006 Century Farm award for the Russell family farm.

Gene was an active member of St. Michael's Catholic Church serving as a Eucharistic minister, usher and on numerous committees. He was founding chair of the St. Michael's endowment fund and served in various other development roles. Gene was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus councils at both St. Michael's in Sioux City, Council 12350 and St. Michael's in South Sioux City, Council 3844. He was also a member of the Calvary Cemetery Board and had been a volunteer at Mercy Medical Center.

Memorials should be directed to St. Michael's endowment fund or Trinity Heights Queen of Peace Shrine.

Services will be on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, Sioux City, with the Rev. Gary Snyder officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church, with a Rosary at 7 p.m. and a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Challis Service to follow, with a Vigil Service at 7:30 p.m. Burial will be in the Assumption Cemetery at Merrill. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

"The phone's for you, Gene. God is calling."