Russell Knuth

Russell Christian Knuth, of Waukee, Iowa, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2022, 5 days short of his 90th birthday. Russell was born on January 12, 1932, to Aage and Blanche Knuth, in Elkhorn, Iowa. Russ was married to the love of his life, Donna Rose Oldenburg, on June 6, 1959. They were married for over 62 years, and blessed with 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, with another on the way. Russ graduated from Walnut High School and started working for Peter K. Pratt, raising pure-bred angus cattle. When he was 20, he was drafted into the Korean War. He served in the U.S. Army and was on the front lines in Korea for 180 days straight. He earned two Bronze Stars for his service. For most of his career, he worked for Pioneer. First, as the manager of the Pioneer Beef Cattle ranch in Rhodes, Iowa, and later at the corporate offices in Johnston, Iowa, where he rose to lead Pioneer’s Risk Management and Self-Insurance division world-wide. In 1979, Russ and Donna moved to De Soto, Iowa, where they lived for 40 years. Russ finally retired from Pioneer in 1994. After retirement, Russ and Donna enjoyed spending winters in Arizona. Russ also faithfully took care of the yard maintenance for the De Soto United Methodist Church for many years. Russ was a people person. He always had a kind word, a compliment or was ready to share light-hearted humor with everyone he met. He was an avid golfer and was proud of his two hole-in-one accomplishments. He also enjoyed fishing and went on numerous fishing trips where he always came home with a story and pictures. Russ was a cowboy at heart. He enjoyed watching John Wayne movies and reading westerns – especially Louis L’Amour. He was proud of his Danish heritage and always kiddingly said – you can tell a Dane, but you can’t tell them much. Russ was an Iowa State fan and proudly displayed his cardinal and gold colors. He also attended many events and activities for his children and grandchildren over the years. Sports, state speech contests, horse shows, 4-H, cheerleading – anything they participated in. He cheered loudly and was always ready with a hug and encouraging word. Russ was a true man of character. He was a family man and a man of God. He lived by simple truths. Be a man of your word. Hard work pays off. If you are going to do something, do it right the first time. Treat people the way you would want to be treated. He was an uncommon role model. Russ is survived by his wife, Donna; his son, Alan (Deb) of Bondurant, and their two daughters, Sarah (Austin) Hanner and Emily Knuth; his son, Jim (Dawn) of Johnston, and their four children, Taylor (Karl) Peterson and their two children, Tessa and Brooks, Tory (Dylan) Wagner, Taryn Knuth and Jay Knuth; his daughter, Karla (Rick) Janning of Scranton, and their son, Casey (Melissa) Smick and their daughter, Patricia; his sisters, Margie Barton and Patty Gress; and his sister-in-law, Carolyn Oldenburg. Russ was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Rose Marie; and brothers-in-law, Dean Oldenburg, Bob Barton and Bob Gress. A Celebration of Life is being planned for later this spring at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter. In lieu of flowers, Russ’s memory may be commemorated by sending contributions to the De Soto Public Library or the De Soto United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left at www.caldwellparrish.com