Russell Denmark Jr.

Russell Lonza Denmark Jr., age 92, of Cedar Falls, formerly of San Diego, CA, died Friday, April 26, 2024, at his home in Mallard Point. He was born March 4, 1932, in Texarkana, TX, the son of Russell and Margret (Richards) Denmark Sr. Russell lived with his grandparents in Texarkana, AR, where they had a cotton farm. He attended school in Arkansas prior to joining the US Army when he was 17 years old, serving as PFC from September 1949 to December 1952 as part of the occupational peace forces unit. Upon being discharged from the military, Russ returned to Texarkana for a short time before moving to San Diego. While in San Diego, Russ met Ruth Ann Winter at a ballroom dance. In 1953, they were united in marriage. They lived in San Diego where Russell began a career in manufacturing engineering, making missiles for General Dynamics from 1953-1964 as well as working an apprenticeship making airplanes for Convarir from 1953-1957. He also graduated from junior college in 1957. Russell and his family then moved to Lakeside, California in the east side of San Diego County. They lived on an acreage enjoying their many horses including Appaloosas and goats. Russ, Ruth, and sons, Paul and David, enjoyed the tranquil country living on an acreage and having cattle, horses, sheep and goats that brought them much pleasure. In 1976, they moved to Sandy, Oregon as Russ had a job opportunity with Boeing Airlines. He worked for Boeing from 1977-1994 where he worked on all kinds of parts. He retired in 1994. His next venture with manufacturing engineering background took him to Straza from 1964 -1977. This company did all types of work on airplanes and Russ even worked on parts for the space shuttles. Among his many hobbies, Russ enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing tennis, and running. Throughout his many years of running he participated in marathons in New York, Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland, and even completed the Boston Marathon. He also enjoyed bicycling, partaking in Cycle Oregon, touring the state of Oregon for a week, eight different times. Russ was a past member of the Lutheran and Methodist churches in California and Oregon. He was a member of the El Cajon Masonic Lodge in California from 1960 to 1974 and achieved Junior Warden officer while in San Diego. Ruth passed away on June 18, 1984. Russ then moved to Gresham, Oregon. He lived in San Diego before moving to Mallard Point in Cedar Falls on November 9, 2020. Russ is survived by his son Paul of Columbus, OH; sister-in-law, Dolores Winter of Arlington, VA; brother-in-law, Paul (Virginia) Winter of Crystal, MN; and niece, Laura (Randy) Winter, Winnebago, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife; son, David; and sister, Joann. A special thank you to Right at Home, his nurse, Molly Ott, and various caregivers for their extraordinary care, concern, and compassion. Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2024, in the atrium at Mallard Point in Cedar Falls with visitation one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in Greenwood Memorial Park in San Diego, CA. Memorials may be directed to the family.