Russell Elvin Koenen

Russell E. Koenen was born on July 25, 1959, to Elvin and Rosa Koenen in Montevideo, MN. He grew up in the Willmar area and graduated in 1977 from Willmar High School. He then went to the Willmar Vo Tech for diesel mechanics. Russ as a boy, worked for Tom & Bill's Red Owl in Willmar cleaning up the bakery, as time went on, he gradually worked his way up and became a baker. He enjoyed his work and went on to work for County Market in Albert Lea and finally Sunrise Bakery in Austin. In 1989 Russ started a new career in trucking working for ICX, Country Spirit, Scotts, Pro Trucking, Behne, Inc. and was presently employed at Norsemen Transportation, Inc. of Lake Mills, IA. On November 18, 1994, Russ was united in marriage to Debra J. Schaper-Kath, at Ascension Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. Russ, Debra and stepson Chad have made their home in Clarks Grove, MN. Russ will be remembered as a kind and gentle big man who loved his family and friends. His favorite pass times were riding his Harley, spending time with his family and watching movies. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his wife Debra; stepson, Chad Schaper; father-in-law, Dick Barb Kath; brother-in-law, Bruce Kath; sister-in-law, Cheryl Kath; sister and brother-in-law, Renee and Steve Krogsgaard; stepbrother, Rick Julie Haukoos; nieces, Jenna Kath, Emily Dan Radulescu, Megan Krogsgaard, Erin Krogsgaard and Trinity Haukoos; nephew, William Haukoos; and his life long friend, Stewart Johnston. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Elvin and Rosa Koenen; mother-in-law, Joanne Delger; brother, Richard Koenen and his grandparents.