July 15, 1947 - November 13, 2023
A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona. Burial was held in East Lawn Cemetery. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Russell Lee Spear was born on July 15, 1947, in Algona to James and Mildred (Stroebel) Spear. He grew up in Algona and graduated from Algona High School in 1966.
Shortly after graduation, Russell served in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1970. While serving, he was stationed in Taiwan, Thailand, Okinawa, Japan and the Philippines. Most often he flew with a flight crew on a C140 cargo plane. After serving overseas, he worked on and inspected C133s at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
Russell’s life has been devoted to agriculture. His lifelong journey in agriculture started when he worked alongside his father and eventually his brother. His unwavering commitment to farming shaped not just his livelihood but also left a lasting impact on those around him. Russell’s passion for farming extended beyond his own endeavors. He generously shared the love of land with his brother, son and grandchildren.
On June 9, 1973, he was united in marriage to Rose Marie Lenz at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona. Together they built a family they deeply cherished.
Russell enjoyed the simple things in life. Nothing made him prouder than watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. He cherished moments watching his grandchildren showcase pigs at fairs. He took a special interest in the addition of showing cattle this last year. In addition to his dedication to farming, Russell enjoyed spending time outside, most notably on his lawn mower.
Russell died on Monday, Nov. 13 at the Kossuth Regional Health Center. He was 76.
He is survived by his children, Lynnette (Jeff) Stoker of Ray, N.D., and Mark (Mindi) Spear of Algona; four grandchildren, Nathanal (Tabitha) McGrauth, and Jaden, Emma, and Coyer Spear; two great-grandchildren, William and Jackson McGrauth; siblings, Deborah Bowman and Neal Spear, both of Algona.
Preceding him in death are his wife, Rose; parents; and brother-in-law, Tim Bowman.
Online condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com