Russell Frank Marshall

Russ was born September 10, 1941 in Fort Madison, IA the son of William Frank Marshall and Dorothy Eleanor (Mikels) Marshall.

Russ graduated top of his class from Nauvoo High School in 1959, then went on to Monmouth College, earning a degree in Physics and Math. He then attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he earned his Ph.D. in Physics.

Russ met Mary Bailey in 1961 at Monmouth College, while taking a German class together (or participating in a German club - the exact location has been recently debated). They were married on June 19, 1966 in Knoxville, Illinois with Reverend Howard Bailey officiating. They were happily married for almost 60 years.

Russ worked in a variety of research and computer related positions at University of Illinois, Drake University, as well as the Communication Development Company. His last position was as the Manager of Information Services at GrandView College where he worked for 10 years before his retirement in 2006. After retirement, Russ and Mary enjoyed seeing the world through their travels and spending time with family.

Russ was the proud father of three Eagle Scouts. He was also grandfather to four Eagle Scouts and a Girl Scout Gold Award Candidate. He served many years as the Advancement Chair for Troop 202 in West Des Moines and earned Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow. Scouting was an important piece of Russ’s life as it allowed him quality time with his three sons.

Russ was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in West Des Moines where he served as Elder and was also part of the Men’s Breakfast Club. He was active in the Church’s choir for many years and was known to be a welcoming presence to all who entered.

Remaining to cherish Russ’s memory are his wife, Mary Marshall; his children, William “Bill” (Ronda) Marshall and Greg (Nicole) Marshall; his grandchildren, Chris, Peter, Daniel, Heather, and Kate; his sisters, Shirley Tripp, and Sandy (Randy) Little; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Russ in death is his son, Robert Scott Marshall; parents, William Frank and Dorothy Eleanor Marshall.

Visitation will be Friday, January 16, 2026 from 5:00-7:00pm at McLaren’s Funeral Home located in West Des Moines, IA. A service honoring Russ’s life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00am at Covenant Presbyterian Church in West Des Moines, IA.

Memorial donations in Russ’s memory may be directed to Covenant Presbyterian Church of West Des Moines.