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1-888-579-7953 Code: 74804P

Russell Edward Blake, age 73 of Virginia and a longtime resident of Parkville died Saturday, April 18, 2015 in his home surrounded by his loving family and faithful dog Serena after a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) which lasted 14 months. He was born December 6, 1941 in Virginia, the son of Wesley Wallace and Martha Louise (Goeppinger) Blake and was a graduate of Virginia High School Class of 1960. Russ married Arlene Victoria Dall on July 20th, 1963. He served in the US Air Force working his way to Sergeant as an expert in the Telecommunications Equipment field until he proudly accepted a position with the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, MD. After returning to Minnesota, Russ worked at Minntac as a foreman in the Mobile Equipment Shop (MES) - retiring in 2000. Russ then went on to own and operate Sunny's Deli in the Thunderbird Mall for 6 years, until his wife Arlene was diagnosed with cancer. He had many hobbies that included working on and owning several classic cars, being a former member of the Dream Machines car club, fishing with his grandchildren, camping, riding his bicycles which included a motorized bicycle and a surrey, being at the cabin and enjoying any time spent on the lake.
Russ is survived by his wife: Arlene, children: Robert (Betsy) Blake of Lewisville, TX, Douglas (Jenny) Blake of Mt. Iron, MN, Laurel (Jeffrey) Bovitz of St. Cloud, MN, and Christine (Darin) Alto of Virginia, MN.; grandchildren: Casalena, Kaila, Wesley, Adrianna, Joshua, Andrew, Michael, Thomas, Ashley, Kayla and Amanda; 6 Step-Grandchildren; 4 Step-Great Grandchildren; siblings: Kenneth (Gloria) Blake and Margaret Muscatello; former daughter-in-law: Marsha Blake; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends; and faithful sidekick: Serena.
He was preceded in death by his parents and other relatives.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Nathan Sager will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the Church. Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia. Military Honors are accorded by the Virginia Serviceman's Honor Guard.
Memorials are preferred in place of flowers and may be directed to Care Partners, PO Box 217, Eveleth, MN 55734 or the Richard M. Schulze Family American Cancer Society Hope Lodge—Minneapolis, 2500 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.
Family services provided by Bauman-Cron a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .

Facts

Born: December 6, 1941
Place of Birth: Virginiia, MN 55792
Death: April 18, 2015
Place of Death: Virginia, MN 55792
Occupation: Russ worked at Minntac as a foreman in the Mobile Equipment Shop (MES) - retiring in 2000. Russ then went on to own and operate Sunny's Deli in the Thunderbird Mall for 6 years
Hobbies: working on and owning several classic cars, being a former member of the Dream Machines car club, fishing with his grandchildren, camping, riding his bicycles which included a motorized bicycle and a surrey, being at the cabin and enjoying any time spent on the lake.
Organizations: a former member of the Dream Machines car club

Services Viewing

Wednesday April 22, 2015 , 12 Noon - 1:00 p.m. at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church

Wednesday April 22, 2015 , 1:00 pm at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church

Wednesday April 22, 2015 , 2:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery