Russell I. Knoblauch

Russell Irvin Knoblauch, 88, of Red Wing, died Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010, following a short illness, at the Fairview Red Wing Medical Center. He was born Dec. 10. 1921, in Dakota County, to Frank W. and Anna (Wacholz) Knoblauch. He graduated from 8th grade at Dist. 58 and worked for several farmers in the area and Cudahy Packing Plant. On March 25, 1944 he married Dorothy E. Remme in Cannon Falls. They farmed near Cannon Falls until 1950 when they moved to the Welch area. He hauled bulk milk and agricultural lime. In 1956, he purchased the school buses serving the Burnside School and he and Dorothy operated the buses until 1965. In 1954, they bought the Welch Shortcut farm and lived there until 2009, when they had an auction, sold the farm and moved to Red Wing. Farming was Russell's favorite occupation. He was a volunteer at Annadee's Closet and he enjoyed traveling, visiting friends in the nursing homes, fishing, spending time with his grandchildren and coffee shops.

He is survived by his wife, Dotes of Red Wing; 2 daughters, Sandra (Robert) Luhman of Welch and Leona Haupt of Red Wing; son, James (Claudine) Knoblauch of Fridley; 7 grandchildren, Matthew and Eric Luhman, Jeremy Wright, Anthony and Nora Haupt and Clark and Claire Goebel; 6 great-grandchildren, Alex, Misty, Cory and Hannah Luhman, Helena Wright and Tyler Enevold.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wilmer "Bud" Knoblauch and a sister, Dorothy Jorgenson.

Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010 at Cross of Christ Church with Reverend Bob Albing officiating. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Russell's grandchildren and honorary pallbearers, his great-grandchildren. Memorials preferred to the church, American Red Cross or donor's choice.