L.E. Russ Russell

L.E. Russ Russell was born July 14, 1933, in Grafton (ND), the only surviving child of Robert H. Russell and Minnie (Moris) Russell. He died in hospice on July 28, 2015.His commitment to hard work began at the age of 13 with his first job weeding the potato fields of local farmers. While he charged above the going rate at the time, he also guaranteed the quality of his work. After graduating as valedictorian from his high school in Neche (ND), he went on to earn a bachelor of science in pharmacy from North Dakota State University. While at NDSU, he received honors as one of the top freshmen and an outstanding ROTC officer.On August 13, 1954, he married Anna M. Beck in Moorehead (MN). Despite getting married on Friday the 13th, the union has lasted over 60 years.His professional life brought him to International Falls (MN) where he initially worked at City Drug Store. He would later return to the Falls after military service at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio (TX) and civilian pharmacy jobs in Pasco (WA) and Bemidji (MN) to own and run Rexall Drug Store for 17 years. Here, his commitment to excellent customer service earned him a strong following, as well as that of his great staff (Dallyce, June, Lennis, Patty, Gloria and others). He was involved with the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce, Koochiching Lodge 270 AF & AM, the Philosopher's Club, and the Jaycees, from which he received their first Boss of the Year award.In 1980, he and his family moved to Boulder, Colorado, where he owned a professional pharmacy, later switching to retail pharmacy management with King Soopers. He continued with King Soopers until his retirement in 2004.His hobbies included golf, bridge, reading and travel. He and his wife, Ann, have visited all 50 of the American states and all of the Canadian provinces, with additional trips to Europe, Asia, Australia/New Zealand and Central/South America.Professionally, he leaves a legacy of hard work, integrity and a commitment to excellent customer service. Personally, he leaves behind his wife (Ann), four children (Scott, Steve, Brad and Sarah), two daughters-in-law (Rita and Alicia), six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many great friendships over the years.A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 1st, at 3:00pm at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel (326 Terry Street, Longmont). In lieu of flowers, his family requests that bequests be made in his name to the Longmont Humane Society, the Wildlife Sanctuary, or a charity of their choice. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.