Russell Howard DeVries, Sr.

Jody Hane2021-01-23T10:34:30-06:00

Name: Russell Howard DeVries Sr.
Location of Birth: Goodridge, Minnesota
Date of Birth: June 14, 1925
Date of Death: July 19, 2011 (86 years old)
Parents: Garrett and Vella DeVries
High School and Class: attended schools in Paynesville and Buffalo, Minnesota
College:
Highest Rank: COX (Cockswain)
Branch: Navy
Other Branch:
Date Sworn In: 1943
Place Sworn In:
Date of Discharge:
Place of Discharge:
Military Awards:
Purple Heart

Military Highlights:
Russell enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943 and served during World War II receiving the Purple Heart.

Wars Involved:
World War II

MIA / POW:

Civilian Life:
Russell was united in marriage to Hazel Pearson in 1949 and they made their home in Bloomington, Minnesota where he was employed as an auto mechanic.

After Hazel's death, Russell moved to Grand Rapids, Minnesota in 1995.

He was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church in Warba, Minnesota, Fraternal Order of Eagles, American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and the National Association of Atomic Veterans.

In addition to his wife Hazel, Russell was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mildred and infant Agnes; and five brothers, Cornelius, Ray, Ken, George and infant John.

Russell is survived by one son, Russell, Jr. (Deb); two stepchildren, Judy Pearson and David Pearson; two sisters, Shirley (Lyle) Thingvold and June (Darrell) Jones; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Russell died at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and is buried in Itasca Calvary Cemetery at Grand Rapids, Minnesota. (Plot C-C-01-01)

Tribal Affiliation(s):