Russell "Russ" Laub

A service for Russell Dean Laub was held 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2015 at the Rippey United Methodist Church. Visitation was after 1:00 p.m. with family present from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Hastings Funeral Home in Perry. Pastor Paul Burrow and Pastor Enna Antunez provided words of comfort. Honorary bearers were: Collin, Colby, Allison & Carter Laub, Lewis Laub, Rolland H. Gilmore, Max Kersey, Jerry Groves, Roger Wessling, and the Rippey High School Class of 1952. Casket bearers were: David McDowell, Craig McDowell, Mitch Laub, Steve King, Richard Youngblood and Myron Rinker. Phil Roberts and Ben Vannatta were the ushers. Marjorie Vannatta was the organist and Brenda Roberts was the soloist. Hymns chosen were How Great Thou Art, The Lord's Prayer and Always. Military Rites were done by the Honors United States Navy Reserves. Interment took place at Rippey Cemetery. Following the services at the cemetery was a luncheon at the church. Russell Dean Laub "Russ", was born October 28, 1934 to Harry and Hilda (Osterman) Laub on a farm outside of Grand Junction. Russ started school in Grand Junction and graduated from Rippey in 1952. He farmed with his dad. Russell married Sharon Challands on September 2, 1955 at Perry Methodist Church. Russ was a member of the Navy reserve in Des Moines and went into active duty on May 1957. He served on the USS W.A. Mann which took troops to Japan and other countries. Russ was transferred to shore duty and Russ and Sharon lived in Washington and Oregon until he was honorably discharged in March of 1959 with the rank of Engineman 3rd class. Russ began farming again and they lived 12 years on a farm outside of Grand Junction. Russ and Sharon were blessed with three children. In 1966, Michael Dean and the twins Kristopher Mark and Kurtis Matthew in 1969. Russ received the Young Farmer award for the 1969-1970 year from the Grand Junction Jaycees. He also received several crop yield awards. Russ, Sharon, and the boys moved to their new home they built on their farm east of Rippey in 1974. Russ was a hard worker and maintained a very good relationship with his landlords for many years. His goal in life was to own farmland, which he achieved when he purchased his first farm in the 1960's. He also served on the Rippey Co-op Board for several years. Russ enjoyed NASCAR, tractor pulling, showing Mustang cars, and country music. Russ and Sharon enjoyed traveling to Florida, Texas, Arizona, Las Vegas, and many trips to Branson. Russ, Sharon, and the boys enjoyed their summer trips to Colorado. Russ suffered a heart attack in 1995, but recovered to farm again. In March 2007, he suffered a stroke. In July of 2012, Russ was admitted to the Lutheran home in Perry. Russ is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws George and Anna Challands, sister-in-law Janice (her husband JD), one nephew, grandparents, his dog Bruiser and cat Patches. He is survived by his wife Sharon of 59 years, sons Michael Dean of Rippey, Kristopher Mark (Jennifer) of Johnston, and Kurtis Matthew (Jennifer) of Ankeny. Grandchildren include Collin & Colby of Johnston and Allison & Carter of Ankeny. Brother Lewis (Joyce) of Grand Junction, one niece, three nephews, other family, and many friends.