Russell D. Adams, age 94, of Elk River and formerly of Otter Tail and Coon Rapids, died July 16, 2023 at Prairie Senior Cottages in Isanti. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Wed. July 26th at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 19921 Nightingale St NW, Oak Grove. Visitation one hour prior at the church.
Russell Delbert Adams was born February 22, 1929 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Lyle and Myrtle (Anderson) Adams. He was raised in Minneapolis and graduated from Marshall High School in 1947. Russell played hockey in high school and later in a semi-pro league. On June 8, 1963 he married Marilyn Savoie in Minneapolis. They raised their two children, Lee and Debby, in Coon Rapids. Russell worked for the University of Minnesota in sports facilities operations for Gopher hockey, basketball and football. He was also the school’s golf course superintendent in the summers. He enjoyed being a hockey referee for several state high school tournaments and he also loved bowling, hunting, fishing, golfing and playing cribbage. After retirement Russell and Marilyn moved to Otter Tail, Minnesota. He will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends.
Russell passed away July 16, 2023 at Prairie Senior Cottages in Isanti at the age of 94 years, 4 months and 24 days. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn and nine siblings. He is survived by two children, Lee Adams (Teresa Mikelson), and Debby (Ross) Gillespie; four siblings, Verlie Armstrong, Jerry Adams, Dave (Lynda) Adams, and Marilyn Soderstrom; three grandchildren, Dane (Chelsea) Gillespie, RJ Gillespie (Fiancée, Laura), and Anna Gillespie; and by many other relatives and friends.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always fondly remember the twinkle that would come into his eye when he’d see me…. right before he’d say, “baaaaaaaa”… and we would laugh and he’d ask if I’ve caught any sheepshead lately :) Love and prayers to you all during this difficult time.
Russ was the best of the best! He helped our family out in every way imaginable. When my mom couldn’t pay to have our sewer put in Russ was right there and paid for it. He took me to so many gopher hockey and football games when I was growing up. He used to bring home tons of hockey sticks from the U so that the neighborhood could play street hockey and boot hockey. He was famous for his dollar pancakes and his mouth watering burgers on the grill! He and Marilyn were the best neighbors anyone could ever have! I have so many fond memories him. I loved him like a father.
I’ll never forget the first time in the Adams home. Debby and I were teenagers and new friends. Debby skipped to her Dad to sit on his lap…and the two took such delight in each other. It’s an impression I felt deeply and will never forget.
Russ was one of the “good Guys.” My early days in as a member of the MGCSA, Russ ran the golf outings for our weekly meetings. A fun guy that loved his golf. You will be missed Russ!
We send our condolences to Russ’s family !! I’m a retired golf course superintendent and have fond memories of Russ back in the day!!
My condolences to the family. As a retired golf course superintendent our path’s crossed on several occasions on and off the golf course, but I remember most fondly Russ reffing our bantam hockey games growing up in Mpls (Southwest). Rest in peace, you were one of the best men I have had the pleasure to call a friend.
Russ was my first golf course boss and is because of my 3 years there that I became a Golf Course Superintendent. He was not only a great boss but counseled me when I moved on. He was one of the best storytellers and truly a “character” in the best sense of the word. On Fridays after work we would hang around and Russ would have everyone entertained telling golf course or hockey stories. One of a kind!
I am sorry for your loss.