Eldon Russell, 80, of Boone, Iowa passed away Friday evening, Nov. 27, 2009 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, following a courageous battle with a brain tumor.

He was born in Des Moines, Iowa on Dec. 31, 1928, the son of Harold and Edna (Purcell) Russell.
On Feb. 14, 1953, he was united in marriage to Delores Larson, formerly of Austin, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church.

Eldon graduated from Altoona High School and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Crisis.

Eldon was a member of the Augustana Lutheran Church in Boone.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Edna; and two brothers, Wayne and Ron.

Eldon is survived by his wife of 56 years, Delores; a daughter, Karen (Mark) Reinertson of Cedar Rapids; two sons, Jeff (Leslie) Russell of Oakland, Calif. and Steve (Sally) Russell of Danville, Calif.; four grandchildren, Derek (Kristy) Reinertson of Kansas City, Mo., Matthew Reinertson of Minneapolis, Breanne and Kaleigh Russell, both of Cedar Falls, Iowa; a great-granddaughter, Kaylynn Reinertson; a sister, Juanita (Hap) Finestad of Urbandale, Iowa; two brothers, Gale (Gayla) Russell of Urbandale, Iowa and Don (Jean) Russell of Billings, Mont.; and sisters-in-law Gay Russell of Adel, Iowa, Dixie (Dolan) Cowden, Lorraine (Howard) Griffin of Salinas, Calif.

Services will be held Friday morning, Dec. 4 at 11 a.m. at the Augustana Lutheran Church in Boone with Pastor Daniel Solomon officiating. Following the service, the body will be cremated. A private burial will be in the Linwood Park Cemetary in Boone.

Friends may call at the Stark-Welin Chapel in Boone Thursday evening, Dec. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. with the family present to greet friends. Visitation will continue Friday morning at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

Condolences may be expressed to Delores Russell, 1718 Hancock, Boone, Iowa, 50036.

Stark-Welin Funeral Directors in Boone is in charge of arrangements.