Gary Russell

Gary Wayne Russell, 62, of rural Bloomfield, Iowa passed away on October 17, 2021 at his home. He was born on July 6, 1959 in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Robert George and E. Irene Belzer Russell. Gary’s family moved to Davis County when he was only two years old and he graduated from Davis County High School in 1977. He married Mary Mincks in August of 1985, and they were later divorced. He married Virginia Perry in 2005, and they were later divorced. On May 8, 2011 he married Rosalee Rudd Ernst. Outside of working on a cattle ranch for a couple years, Gary lived his entire adult life in Davis County. He thoroughly loved Davis County and the many opportunities it granted him as Gary was a “Jack of all Trades.” He worked as a farmer, mechanic, carpenter, and operated Quality Plus Feeds in Drakesville for several years. Gary was a talented singer and songwriter, often writing songs about his savior, Jesus. His love for Jesus called him to study and become a Cowboy Chaplin. That same passion called him to start a church, Farmers and Friends Worship of Davis County. He was a man of God. Gary had many hobbies outside of work including; Shooting guns for target practice, going to Rutledge, Missouri to the flea market, watching and attending tractor pulls, tinkering on anything but especially old tractors, and making the world around him more beautiful with his gift of landscaping, carpentry, and a green thumb. His family was of the utmost importance to him and he was proud of all his children. He will be greatly missed but forever in their hearts. He is survived by his wife, Rosalee Russell; five children, Bill (Amy) Russell of Bloomfield, Joe Russell of Bloomfield, Amy Russell of Bloomfield, Rachel (Alan) Snow of Ottumwa, Iowa, Shelby (Abiel Matuz) Ernst of Bloomfield; nine grandchildren, Dalton Simmons, Leah Simmons, Jacob Pennington, Madison Russell, Alaya Flores, Charlotte Snow, Draven Snow, Henry Snow, Gabriel Matuz; two sisters, Carol (Paul Bly) Mertens of North Liberty, Iowa, Kay (Wayne) Engle of Appleton, Wisconsin; and a sister-in-law, Trish Russell of Albia, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Diane Russell; and brother, Robert Russell. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 22, 2021 at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield with Pastors Phil Morrison and Danny Cary officiating. Burial will be at the Drakesville Cemetery. Visitation will begin at noon on Thursday with the family present to greet friends from 5-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to Blessings Soup Kitchen in Ottumwa.

Gary Russell

July 6, 1959 - October 17, 2021