Reverend Russell Eldridge

Russell David Eldridge, Jr. was born on April 10, 1922 at Wells, MN to Russell David Eldridge, Sr. and Zella Pearl Wyborny Eldridge and died April 3, 2014, Des Moines, Iowa. Age 91 Years, 11 Months, 23 Days. Celebration of life service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2014 First United Methodist Church Perry, Iowa. Words of comfort Rev. Enna S. Antunez and Rev. Paul I. Burrow. Honorary bearers "Every person present who is pulling for Christ daily." Musician ~ Dennis Morgan. Solo ~ In Christ Alone. Congregational Hymns, O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing, How Great Thou Art, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling . Usher, Joe Royer. At the guest book was Donna Royer. Russell graduated from Mason City High School in 1940. He attended Hamilton Business College until he enlisted in the Army in September, 1942. While in the Army he attended U.C.L.A. Russell was honorably discharged from the military in October of 1945. Russell married Doris Mae Pedelty on May 4, 1946 at Winnebago, MN. To this union were born sons, David, Dale, and Dennis, and daughter Mary Dawn. Russell worked for ten years as an electrician for Oliver Tractor in Charles City, IA. In January of 1956, he entered the ministry in the United Methodist Church. He graduated from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in June of 1961 and was ordained a Local Elder. During his career as a pastor, Russell served the following churches: Aredale, Dunkerton and Mt. Hope, Fenton and Cylinder, Schaller and Arthur, Greenfield Plaza in Des Moines, Plainfield and Frederika, Marathon and Rembrandt, and the Monticello Yoke. Russell retired in 1989 and the couple moved to Perry. He continued to joyfully and faithfully serve God until his death. Russell enjoyed his years serving with Hospice. Russell died on April 3, 2014 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Eugene and Reeve. He is survived by his wife, Doris; his children, David (Pam) Eldridge of Richfield, MN; Dale of Oldsmar, FL; Dennis (Judy) of Hampton, IA; and Mary Dawn (Ron) Burchelt of Ackworth, IA. Russell is also survived by four grandchildren, Jason Eldridge, Tony Eldridge, Thad Caylor, and Ryan Whitman; four great grandchildren Harley Eldridge, Shelby Eldridge, Carson Caylor, and Riley Caylor; sisters-in-law, Maxine Eldridge of Manhattan, KS; June Davis of Crane, TX and Ruth Sellon (Duane) of Albany, OR; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. submitted by Hastings Funeral Home www.hastingsfh.com