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Emerson Russman

Lead Summary

Emerson Keith “Whitey”  Russman, 80, Red Wing, formerly of Luverne, died Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016, at his home.
A funeral was Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. Burial followed at Pleasant View Cemetery in Little Rock, Iowa.
Emerson was born June 18, 1936, to George and Tina (Huisman) Russman in Orange City, Iowa. He was raised in Little Rock and graduated from Little Rock High School in 1954. In 1957 Whitey enlisted into the United States Army and honorably served our country until his discharge in 1963.
On Nov. 9, 1957, Whitey married Gloria Zylstra at the First Presbyterian Church in Little Rock. In 1959 he began working at the local Skelley Gas Station. He then owned and operated a television repair shop from 1962 until 1964. Whitey graduated from Wayne State University in Nebraska in 1970. He then moved his family to Luverne, where he taught industrial arts until his formal retirement in 1998. Whitey continued to work at school when needed until 2004. In 2004 he and Gloria moved to Red Wing to be closer to their family. Whitey was diagnosed with ALS in May of 2016.
Whitey was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. He served on the Rock County Fair Board as a director for many years. He was also a member of the Luverne Optimist Club, Eagles Club and Luverne County Club. He enjoyed sports, woodworking, fishing, hiking, spending time at the cabin and traveling. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whitey enjoyed teaching his students and many times went beyond the books to help teach them life lessons. He spent his life lending his talents to assist anyone in need.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria, Red Wing; three children, Tammie (Shawn) Dougherty, Red Wing, Valerie (Kelly) Pap, Lino Lakes, and Von (Lynn) Russman, Lino Lakes; seven grandchildren, Tara, Caitlin, Casey, Jordan, Tanner, Maren and Ian; four great-grandchildren, Sullivan, Emerson, Harper and Jameson; three siblings, Evelyn (Dick) Kruse, Little Rock, Twyla Voss, Little Rock, and Steve Russman, Red Wing; and many other friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Tanner; and a brother-in-law, Willis Voss.
Arrangements were by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, www.hartquistfuneral.com.
 (0922 F)

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