William ‘Bill’ Andrew Russell, 94

William ‘Bill’ Andrew Russell, 94, of Traer, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at Spanish Peaks Veterans Living Community Center in Walsenburg, Colorado.

Bill, son of John and Emily (Zabokrtsky) Russell, was born January 29, 1928, in Fairfax, Iowa. The family moved to a farm in Geneseo Township in 1942, and Bill graduated from Geneseo High School in 1945. He helped on the farm and worked for his older brother, Dale, until Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army in November 1950. Bill served in Korea and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant first class August 16, 1952.

Bill married Marlene Hamann, of Reinbeck, on September 7, 1952. The couple farmed in the Traer area, and Bill also worked 24 years at the Waterloo John Deere tractor plant. They purchased a home in Traer upon their retirement from farming and John Deere in December 1988.

Bill loved his wife, farming, gardening, yard work, raising cattle and hogs, a good card game and family, friends and neighbors as company in his house. For 31 years, while living in Traer, Bill was known for his daily long walks all over town with his little dog. His kind, gentle and friendly demeanor will be remembered. He enjoyed watching all sports, especially basketball, baseball and football, on TV and in person.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marlene; his four brothers: Dale, Jack, Don and Earl; and his four sisters: Marion, Vera, Ann, and Marvel.

He is survived by a son, Randy Russell, of Paulden, AZ; two daughters and their spouses, Diane (Mike) Riddle, of Trinidad, CO and Jackie (Dave) Fallis, of Frenchtown, MT; six grandchildren: Morgan, Jake, Jacob, Andrew, Kelsey and Lance; and five great-grandchildren: Jocelyn, Emberlee, Layton, Pecos and Weslee, seven nephews and seven nieces.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Traer United Methodist Church, the Traer American Legion or the Tama County Humane Society.

There will be a celebration of life on Monday, November 7, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Traer United Methodist Church. A luncheon will follow the service.