Russell Howard Rike

Russell Rike of Rock Creek passed away surrounded by his family and friends on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis at the age of 73. Russell Howard Rike was born on October 21, 1942 in Rush City to Forrest and Ruth (Wickstrom) Rike. He grew up on the family farm north of Rush City with his siblings Sharon, Kurt and Pam. In 1967, Russell and his wife JoAnne (Hill) welcomed their only child Glen. As Glen grew older, Russell and Glen enjoyed camping and hunting trips, camping at the State Fair and many years of tractor pulling. Russell began his welding career in Rush City and bought his first shop in 1972. In 1992, Russell married Betty (Loescher) in a small ceremony in Alaska adding Todd, Scott and Theresa to the family. This led to more Alaska visits where Russ enjoyed Halibut fishing where he was able to join the 150# club on a trip there in 2005. After Glen married Brenda in 1995, Russell’s beloved grandchildren began to join the family. Sherry, Ruth, Katherine, Josh, Daniel and later Sherry’s husband Kyle, became grandpa’s crew. In 1997 they moved the shop to Rock Creek and Betty remained by his side faithfully ever since. He continued to work hard welding and tinkering until his death. Grandpa’s crew made many memories that will remain in their hearts for eternity. Russell is survived by his wife Betty Rike of Rock Creek; son Glen (Brenda) Rike of Pine City; grandchildren Sherry (Kyle) Graber of Brook Park, Ruth Rike, Katherine Rike, Joshua Rike and Daniel Rike all of Pine City; step-sons Todd (Julie) Orr of Staples and Scott Orr of Wyoming; step-daughter Theresa Blazka of California; brother Kurt (Sharon) Rike of Pine City; sister Pam (Gary) Pierson of Oakdale; brother-in-law Don Cummings of Braham; nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents Forrest and Ruth Rike and his sister Sharon Cummings. Pastor Tim Adams will officiate at Russell’s funeral service: 11:00 AM Friday, September 9, 2016 at Journey North Church in Pine City. A gathering of family and friends is planned for Thursday (9/8/16) from 5-8 PM at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City and one hour prior to the service at the church. Honorary casket bearers will include Les Wiener, Gary “Skip” Althoff, Bruce Podwil and Charlie Mohr. Funeral arrangements for Russell Rike of Rock Creek are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com