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Gary Eugene Russell, 62, died Saturday, June 29, 2013, at his home in Pleasant Hill, Iowa, following a battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, at the Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 8th St. SW, Altoona, Iowa. Visitation will be 10 a.m. at the church before the service.

Gary Eugene Russell was born March 15, 1951, in Sargent to Gerald and Alta Russell.

He lived in Arlington, and Lake Mills, Mason City and Pleasant Hill, Iowa.

He attended the University of Nebraska.

Mr. Russell worked at Examination Management Services, Information Providers and Quest Diagnostics.

He was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Cross in Altoona.

He was an avid hunter of bear, caribou, deer and turkey. He loved trout fishing and deep-sea fishing. He also enjoyed spending time with family, especially his granddaughters. His presence and humor will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Carlene; sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Rachel and David and Ashley; two granddaughters; mother, Alta; siblings, Wayne, Greg, Deb (McWilliams) and Monica and their spouses.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald; and his grandparents, the Coppers and Russells.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Russell Family at 1670 Waters Edge Dr., Pleasant Hill, Iowa 50327.