Russell Harold Allen, 88, of Austin, Minn., died Tuesday morning Feb. 5, 2013, at Austin Mayo Health Systems.

Russell was born June 3, 1924, in Spink County, S.D., to Howard and Eva Allen. He resided in S.D. until age 6, when his father Howard secured a position with Hormel Meat Packing Company and the family then moved to Austin. When he was 18, Russell started working for Hormel on June 15, 1942. Then, on May 11, 1943, when he was 19, Russell joined the U.S. Navy, completing a two year commitment and finishing as seaman first class as he was stationed on a destroyer headed for the Pacific. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on Dec. 4, 1945. He then returned to Hormel Meat Packing Plant where he performed various job duties including de-boning the Cure 81 hams and retired after 42 years of service at age 63.

On July 30, 1955, he married Rosalene M. Burton of Austin in Sioux Falls, S.D. They were happily together for 55 years before Rose passed away on April 7, 2011, at 72. Russell was an avid sportsman and he enjoyed quality time spent with his family and friends. He was very good natured and kind to everyone he met. He also enjoyed his time spent as a Boy Scout Master, winning the Silver Scout award. He further enjoyed camping on the islands of the Mississippi River, watching western movies, gambling at Joe’s Casino and seeing his grandchildren grow.

Survivors include children, Robin (wife Gloria Connally) Allen, Longmont, Colo., Rhonda (husband Brian) Bridgeman, Austin; daughter in-law, Holly Allen, Austin; and son-in-law Juan Capote, Austin; Patty (husband Clay) Erway, Hillsboro, Oregon; 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; siblings; brothers-in-law, Merle Burton, Austin; Frank (Mary Jo) Burton, Grand Lake, Colo.; Doug (Pat) Burton, Austin; Clinton (Jan) Burton, Thousand Oaks, Calif.; sisters-in-law Donna Gullispie, Effie, Minn., Dixie Lenz, Austin, Paula (Tom) Wendt, Effie; nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Howard and Eva Allen; son, Randall Howard Allen; daughter, Renae Jean Capote; sisters, Dorothy Espe, Geraldine Noble and Helen Majeski.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, at the Church of Christ with the Rev. David DeFor officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be at the Grandview Cemetery. Arrangements by Mayer Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.