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Russell Lee Almendinger, 82, of Stacy, died peacefully on Thursday, December 14, 2023 surrounded by family at his Stacy home.

Russell was born to Albert and Jane (Madison) Almendinger on December 11, 1941 in Beltrami, Minnesota. He married his high school sweetheart, Judith (Anderson) Almendinger, on September 15, 1962. They moved to Stacy in 2001. Russell valued a strong work ethic, which was evident by his ability to put himself through college and build a successful Christmas tree business with his brother and friend. He adored being outside with the trees. On the tree farm, Russell promoted hard work and passed on life lessons with signature phrases like “if you want something done, ask a busy person,” and “five minutes early is 10 minutes late.” Russell was a born leader with a natural ability to make all feel welcome, which led him to become a mentor and inspiration to many.

Russell was devoted to his family and cherished his role as a husband, father and grandfather, often referring to his grandchildren as “the loves of his life.”

Russell is survived by his two children Kristine (Rick) Glenna and Kevin (Karen) Almendinger; four grandchildren, Nicole Glenna, Rachel Glenna, Miranda (Chase) Webber and Conrad Almendinger, and siblings James (Gail) Almendinger, Willis (Kathleen) Almendinger and Cheryl (Gary) Lindgren. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife and his siblings Charles Almendinger, Phyllis Almendinger, Albert Almendinger, Leonard Almendinger, Gordon Almendinger and Charlotte Giles.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Bethesda Church in North Branch.  Visitation will take place on Friday, December 29, 2023 from 4-7 p.m. at Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch and also one hour prior to the service at church on Saturday.  Interment will follow at the Salem Lutheran Cemetery in Oxford Township.  Arrangements are under the direction and care of Grandstrand Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Branch.  www. grandstrandfh.com 

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