Russell Hamblin

Russell Arthur Hamblin, 92, of Baxter, MN, and formerly of Hayward, WI, and Virginia, MN, passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2011, in Brainerd, MN. Memorial services will be on Monday, December 5, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Anderson Nathan Koerpel Funeral Home (15571 West County Hwy B. - Hayward, WI), with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at the Greenwood Cemetery in Cable, WI.

Russell was born to John "Clyde" and Jeanette (Hanchette) Hamblin on September 6, 1919. He worked for Midland/Land O'Lakes his entire professional career, which spanned nearly 50 years. Russell proudly served his country in the US Army during WWII in Europe. Russell was always a hard worker and life-long learner. Even after his retirement, he pursued and attained his B.A. degree in history and political science from Bemidji State University, and then continued to work in community convenience stores in both Virginia and Brainerd where he made many friends.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Kathleen (Gingles) Hamblin, and 6 children: Roger (Lynn) Hamblin of Hugo, MN; Terry (Diane) Hamblin of Manitowoc, WI; Susan (Charles) Rassbach of Faribault, MN; Sandra (Steve) Fuller of Grayslake, IL; Colleen (Larry) Pederson of Zumbro Falls, MN; Karen Trulsen (special friend Steve Blaska) of Clear Lake, MN; and 3 step-children: Lori Ostman of Baxter, MN; Todd (Praghna) Peterson of Naperville, IL; and Robert (Jenny) Peterson of North Oaks, MN. Surviving siblings include sisters Rachel Hamblin of Hayward, WI, and Dorthy Kuta of Oshkosh, WI. Russ is also the proud grandfather to 20 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

His first wife, Norma, sister Nello, and brothers, William, Dennis, Harley, and Richard, as well as infant siblings Daniel, Marjorie, and Neal, precede him in death.