Russell Gordon Stauffer

Russell Gordon Stauffer was born on August 5, 1924 in Rush City, MN to Clarence and Cecilia (Overmann) Stauffer. The family moved to St. Paul when Russell was 12. The majority of his life was spent in St. Paul where he was a life long employee of the Hamm's Brewery. While living in St. Paul, Russell was an active member of the Montgomery Masonic Lodge #258 and the Osman Shrine. He was also a member of the Anderson Nelson VFW Post #1635. Russell served his country during WWII in the US Navy with active duty in the Pacific Theater and the Aleutian Islands. He was honorably discharged in January of 1946. The same year he was married to Margaret Kron at Immanuel Lutheran Church in West St. Paul. Russell received and Associate Arts Degree in Business from the University of Minnesota. After moving to Goose Lake Russell transferred his membership to the Jasper Masonic Lodge #164. Where he served as Tyler for many years. Russell also acted as Worshipful Master of Jasper Lodge and President of the East Central Shrine Club. Russ spent many hours volunteering at the Osman Shrine Circus. One of his great joys there was working with the elephants. He was also a life member of the Grothe-Jacobson VFW Post #6692. Russ enjoyed feeding the birds, fishing and a good party. He will be missed by all his family, loved ones, lodge brothers, friends and his cat whiskers. Russell Stauffer passed away at Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center in Wyoming on April 9, 2013 at the age of 88. Russell is survived by his wife of 66 years Margaret (Kron) Stauffer, daughter Jan Stauffer (Jerry Hoffmann) of Woodbury, granddaughter Olivia Hoffmann of Woodbury, sister Elaine Roberts of Seattle, WA, brother-in-law Edward Kron of Doniphan, MO, great niece Tammy McAdams of Seattle and grand nephew Trey McAdams. He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence & Cecilia (Overmann) Stauffer. Reverend Laurie O'Shea will officiate the funeral service; 7:00 p.m. Monday (4/15/13) at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City. A time of visitation and reviewal is planned for Monday evening from 4-6 p.m. at the church, with a Masonic Service at 6:00 p.m. The interment will be in the William Taylor Cemetery in Rushseba Township at a later date. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service ~ Olson Chapel of Rush City, MN. www.funeralandcremationservice.com