Russell Anton Wangen

Russell Anton Wangen was born on August 26, 1922 to Nels (Albert) and Martha (Nelson) Wangen in Manchester Township where he resided all his life.  He was baptized, confirmed, and had been a life long member of West Freeborn Lutheran Church.  He attended Country School District 21.  He proudly served his country in the Pacific Theater during World War II.  He was inducted into the Army in March of 1945.  In October of that year he went to Okinawa for six months and then to the Philippines for six months.  He was honorably discharged in November  1946.  He was a member of the V.F.W. the American Legion, and a retired member of the Manchester Fire Department.
Russell worked for Sorensen Brothers Construction Company from 1947 to 1984.  He started as a heavy equipment operator and later became a mechanic for the company, taking pride in his welding ability.  It was a job he loved.  He often said he would have driven “Cats” for no pay, just because he enjoyed it so much.  He made many lasting friendships in his work career.
Russell married Viola Grasdalen Hartz on January 30, 1957.  Russell is survived by one stepdaughter, Lynda (Omer) Emstad, five grandchildren:  Brenda (Scott) Kelley, Loveland, CO., Debra (Steve) Humann, Wellington, CO., Tim (Heather) Fagerberg, Killdeer, ND., Lisa (Travis) Routh, Hartland, MN., and Lara (Aaron) Chicos, Hartland, MN.  He is also survived by ten great grandchildren:  Thomas Kelley; Sydnie, Jaynie, and Steve Humann; Nicholas and Taylar Fagerberg; Braden, Thor and Reese Routh; and Riley Chicos as well as many nieces and nephews.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Viola in 2002, stepdaughter, Myrna Fagerberg in 2001, grandson Wayne Fagerberg in 2000, brothers;  Nels, Arnold, Elvin, Glenn, Harold and Floyd and sisters Marie Kaufman, Dora Melander, Florence Hanson and Helen Gunderson Aanerud and their spouses.
Russell had a gift for fixing things…anything from clocks to cars to Caterpillars.  He was also a self-taught violin and harmonica player and loved music.  He will be remembered for his cheerful nature and his love of children.  His grandchildren and great grandchildren were very precious to him as were his nieces and nephews.  He often entertained them with his violin and his harmonica.  He still played the harmonica while at St. John’s. The family would like to thank all of the staff at St. John’s who gave him wonderful care these last four years.  Blessed be his memory.