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Russell Dague 1933 – 2022

Russell Elwood Dague, 88, of Oylen, Minnesota was called to his heavenly home on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at the Lakewood Care Center in Staples, Minnesota where he resided for the last two months.
Russell was born at home in Poplar Township near Oylen on December 6, 1933 to Lawrence and Eva (Seely) Dague. He attended Oakland Country School through the 8th grade. Because the Sebeka School did not offer bus service at the time, he went to live with his sister and brother-in-law, Edith and Lee White to attend Verndale School for his freshman year. He went on to complete his schooling and graduated from Sebeka High School with the class of 1952. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1954 and served until his honorable discharge in 1956. He served 16 months in Germany and enjoyed his time there. He made lifelong friends and often spoke of how beautiful the country was and enjoyed getting the slideshow out to share with family. He often talked about the children that would ask the G.I.s for chocolate.
On his return home, he married Elaine Kleeberger on May 24, 1957. He spent his life as a dairy farmer and working the land with his Allis Chalmers tractors. He lived on the same farm for 80 of his 88 years. He sold the dairy herd in 1994 and raised beef cattle. He also started the hobby of woodworking, which he had a talent for and enjoyed giving his creations to family and friends. He had to give that up when tremors from Parkinson’s Disease made it difficult to do.
Russell loved the Lord and lived life as a testament of that love. He was a member of the Oylen Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. He held many positions such as Sunday School Teacher, Elder, Deacon, and Treasurer. He spent many hours in the upkeep of the church and Bible Camp. He was humble and well respected in the community. He would do anything to help a neighbor. He enjoyed drinking coffee and visiting with family and friends that stopped in.
Deeply loved, Russell’s passing will be mourned by his wife of 65 years, Elaine; his daughters: Anita (Lee) Moench, Candace (Jim) Ozmun, Rhonda (Tony) Marthaler, and Ruth Johnson; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and his sister: Elsie Timm.
Russell is preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Royston and James; sister: Edith White; an infant sister: Mildred; son-in-law: Mike Adams; and many in-laws and good friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral Services were held on June 6, 2022 at the Oylen Tabernacle with Rev. Neal Malcore officiating. He was laid to rest at Poplar Cemetery on land donated by his great-grandfather. Pallbearers are Greg Ozmun, Phillip Ozmun, Ty Adams, Jeremy Elfstrum, Lance Perius, and Dennis White.
Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of Wadena, Minnesota. Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Russell’s Tribute Wall.6-8c

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