David Lowell Russell

David Lowell Russell, born on April 27, 1956, was lovingly welcomed into this world by his parents, Lorraine and Lowell Russell, who preceded him in death & who handed down to him, as he did to his children, the Kurt Vonnegut advice to the newly born:  “There’s only one rule that I know of, babies  . . . you’ve got to be kind.”

Dave, the eternal optimist, born that way, lived that way, died that way, loved his wife (Sue) who he met at Meyers Printing.  He fell in love “at first sight” and that love continued growing stronger and stronger throughout their 41 years of marriage.

He leaves behind his precious children, Katie and Danny (Karen), who he adored & who just adored him.  He also leaves behind his wonderful daughter-in-law, Karen and his beloved 8 month old grandchild, Luca David Russell Flores. He was an amazing dad who was always present at school recitals and sporting events, and kept close to his children, replacing those events with regular happy hours, concerts and lake strolls through adulthood.

For the last month of his life, Dave got to spend every moment with one or more of his family members including baby Luca (who Dave called his “little buddy”).  They all showered him with love.

Throughout his life, Dave was “that guy”, the one full of some inexplicable genetic charisma, the person you occasionally observe at a social gathering who everyone gravitates to.  He shared with us all of the amazing experiences he had throughout his life; if you knew Dave, you would have heard his Bob Marley story. He laughed easily and often and his family and friends hear that laughter still & will continue to hear it throughout their lives.

Besides his family, he leaves behind his longtime friends and golf buddies, John and Kevin, who shared with him almost continual joking and laughter and a life-affirming brotherhood.

Dave’s life’s work was in the printing industry & he was an integral part of the growth and success of Commerce Label Printing where he was Production Manager until his retirement.

The family will be forever grateful to his oncology team for their efforts, but especially to his oncology nurse, Ben, who never gave up on Dave’s ferocious and dignified battle with cancer & who stood by & advocated for Dave until the very end.

Memorial gathering will be held 4-7 pm Thursday, December 15th at Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapels 15800 37th Ave. N., Plymouth, MN 55446. Memorial donations preferred to the Lustgarten Foundation http://events.lustgarten.org/fundraiser/4315123

Here’s to Dave & to a life well-lived!