A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Nov. 17 at  Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk. The Rev. Richard Olson will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. before the service Nov. 17 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

He was born March 11, 1939, in Pontiac, a son of Lester B. and Viola E. May Eilts.

He married Donna R. Reed on Jan. 22, 1961, in Minonk. She passed away March 29, 2011.

Surviving are two daughters, Arlene (Steve) Stricker, Florence, Ky., and Julie Eilts, St. Louis Park, Minn.; and two grandchildren, Aaron and Rhiannon.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Russell worked as a custodian at Minonk-Dana-Rutland High School, now known as Fieldcrest, for approximately 27 years. He was a tenant farmer in the Rutland and Toluca areas and had been employed at Mennonite Hospital in Bloomington.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.