Russell Lane, 76, died on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 at his home in Thief River Falls, MN.

Russell Duane Lane was born on November 20, 1929 at his grandparents farm, near Thief River Falls, MN, the son of Eckard and Nada (Olson) Lane. He was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN and confirmed at First Lutheran Church, also in Thief River Falls, by Reverend Marvin Carlson. He attended Northrop Elementary School and Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, MN.

Russ went to work as a professional painter at Dicken and Comstock (Falls Decorators). He was in partnership with his good friend, Clayton Rux, their business was called Rux and Lane Decorators.

Russ was united in marriage to Myrna Lindblom on June 19, 1955 at First Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. They made their home in Thief River Falls.

In 1958, Russ went to work for the Thief River Falls Municipal Liquor Store as a bartender. He also worked part time at the Elks and American Legion in Thief River Falls. In the early 1960s Russ worked for a couple years at the Hospital. In 1969 he went to work for School District 564 as inter-service delivery person and in 1989 he retired due to ill health. Russ always enjoyed his job at the school. Myrna and Russ were Foster Parents for three children in the 1970s.

Russ loved his hobby farm in Sanders Township, where they lived for 21 years. They had many farm animals and a huge garden, which they always enjoyed. In 1985 Myrna and Russ moved into Thief River Falls. Throughout his life Russ had many interests; he was an excellent hunter, enjoyed golfing, horseshoes and playing cribbage and rummy. He was an avid reader and sports fan. He and Myrna loved to travel in their motor home for three years and camping at Union Lake Campground for nine years. Russ and Myrnas door was always open and the coffee pot was always on. They enjoyed visiting with family and friends. This was always the most important part of their lives.

He was a member of the Elks Club, Thief River Falls Golf Club, Teamsters Union and was a present member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Russ is survived by his wife of 51 years, Myrna, of Thief River Falls, MN; one sister, Joyce Ann Whaley of Tucson, AZ; two brothers: William Bill (Sondra) Lane of Upland, CA, Wallace Wally Lane of Moorhead, MN; and several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Deanna Dawn Lane; infant son, Dana Mark Lane; and brothers: Burton and Richard.