Russell W. DeLong, 87, Sartell

August 23, 1928 - February 28, 2016

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell for Russell W. DeLong, age 87, of Sartell. Russell passed away Sunday, February 28, 2016 at the St. Cloud V.A. Health Care Facility, surrounded by his loving family. Reverend Gerald Dalseth will officiate. Entombment will take place in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls with full military honors.

Relatives and friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud. Parish Prayers will be at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

Russell was born August 23, 1928 in Morrill, MN to Thurston and Clara (Rhode) DeLong. He served in the U.S. Army Infantry during the Korean War. He married Orpha Skaja on August 3, 1954 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Brennyville. They farmed for 12 years, during which he also hauled milk. He later became owner of Schwartz’s Bar which he operated for many years. He worked construction for Lunda Bridges and NSP and retired at the age of 62. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Church in Sartell, a life member of St. Cloud VFW Granite Post 428 and a member of Local 563.

Russell was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was kind hearted and loved spending time with his family and friends. Russell enjoyed ice fishing, deer hunting, and story-telling.

Russell is survived by his wife Orpha of Sartell; children Al (Mary) DeLong of Grey Eagle, Bruce (Jenny Jarvi) DeLong of Sauk Rapids, and Diane (Mark) Hansen of Motley; son-in-law Kelly Johnson of St. Cloud; grandchildren: Matt DeLong and Megan DeLong (Jorgen Odden), Samantha (Chez) Dietman (DeLong), Molly DeLong, Wynn Johnson and Aaron (Raylene) Johnson, Holly (Jimmy) Hartfiel (Hansen), and Linzi Hansen; 13 great grandchildren: Taylor, Braden, Sophia, Sydnie, Tyler, McKenzie, Jaxson, Shantell, Brooklyn, Devin, Colton, Dalton, and Josie.

Preceding Russell in death were his parents, daughter Christine Johnson, and sister Laurell “Dodi” Stachowski.