Robert Russell Obituary

Robert Leo “Bob” Russell, 75, died July 8, 2023. He was born November 9, 1947, to Eugene and Mildred E. (Korn) Russell in LaMoure, North Dakota.

The family moved to Fargo, North Dakota, in 1952, where Bob was diagnosed as mentally disabled. His family worked unceasingly to help Bob be his best self. He attended Children’s Harbor School in Moorhead, Minnesota, from 1956 to 1980 — a school for special needs people that his parents helped start. There, he enjoyed bowling, swimming, singing in holiday programs, and eating out — especially hamburgers, fries, pie, and coffee. He loved tractors, bus rides, and being around people. After his dad died, Bob and his mom moved to Des Moines, Iowa, to be near family.

Bob became a resident at Woodward Resource Center (WRC) in 1985. He lived there until he died. While at WRC, he enjoyed going to Camp Courageous, riding the trams at the Iowa State Fair, and home visits to the home of his sister, Kaylyn, and brother-in-law, Norm. Kaylyn and Norm took Bob on many outings. He had a close relationship with his niece, Robin, his nephew, Dan, and Dan’s wife, Bobbie.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Mildred Russell, and his brother, Ralph Russell. He is survived by his sister, Kaylyn (Russell) Bauer; brother-in-law, Norman Bauer; nephew, Dan Bauer and his wife, Bobbie Bauer; niece, Robin Johnson; sister-in-law, Jo Russell; three cousins: Keith, Daryl, and Sheri Leistikow; four additional nephews; and two nieces. Bob’s family thanks the staff at WRC, both past and present, for their wonderful care of Bob.

A memorial service will be held in the Woodward Resource Center chapel on Saturday, September 16th at 11 A.M.

Private burial of his cremated remains will be at a later date in Fargo, ND.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.IlesCares.com

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel

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