Russell Richard Repke, 80 years old, passed away at home in Annandale Tues. March 6 surrounded by his family. Celebration of life service will be at  Faith Lutheran Church, 12449 Clementa Avenue N.W., Monticello, Friday, March 16 at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Paul Nichol will offiate. Honor Guard representing Minneapolis and Clearwater Fire Departments. 

 

He was born September 24, 1937, at home on the family farm in Silver Creek Township, to Ernest and Daisy (Sutton) Repke. He was the youngest of ten children. Russell attended Sugar Lake Country School and graduated from Annandale High School in 1955.

 

Russell and Sandra Joy were united in marriage on August 18, 1956. They were blessed with four children. Russell and Sandra lived in Silver Creek, Clearwater, and most recently Annandale, in Minnesota, and loved their winter home in Apache Junction, AZ.

 

Russell worked construction and then, five years at Wright Hennepin Electric Co-op. For 25 years he was a firefighter for the Minneapolis Fire Department.

 

Russell had a lifelong love of trees and also operated his own tree service for 35 years, with help from his sons. He was an honorary member of the Clearwater Fire Department.

 

He loved camping with his family, traveling in the motor home, the annual deer hunt with the boys, playing cards, especially poker at the Tuesday and Thursday night games in Apache Junction. Russ was a skilled wood worker and was known for his beautiful turned wood bowls. He loved working on many craft projects suggested by his wife, Sandra.

 

Upon retiring from the Fire Department, Russell and Sandra enjoyed winter traveling until settling in Apache Junction, AZ each winter.

 

Russell was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Silver Creek. He was a member of several churches over the years, including Faith Lutheran Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council, and Epiphany of Christ Church in Apache Junction.

 

Russell is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sandra, his children Jim (Patti), Roxanne (Richard) Wagner, Ross (Mary) and daughter-in-law Lynn Repke. Grandchildren Nicholis (Lucy) Repke, Nicole (Tim) Kujawa, Joy Wagner (Alan Turkus), Ann Wagner, Rosalie (fiance Michael Reese), Sabrina Repke, Matthew and Krista Repke, Holly and Trina Maile, and seven great-grandsons: Landen, Bennett, and Rylan Kujawa, Ryder, Nathan and Blake Repke, and Isaac Turkus. Sisters, Ione Folwick and Lila Pauman. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews; and countless friends from Minnesota and Weavers Needle Park.

 

Preceded in death by his son Richard; his parents, brother Donald (Adeline) Repke, sisters Ellen (Elmer) Klemz, Fern (Gib)Rhoe, Lois (Herman) Wipper, Ruby (George) Steiskal, Gail (Harold) Wipper, June ( Maurice) Wipper. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.