1 Upcoming Event
Celebration of Life
JAN
24
Saturday, January 24, 2026
4:00 - 7:00 pm
Southbrook Golf Course
511 Morrison Avenue Northwest, Annandale, MN 55302
On January 3, 2026, Russell Leo Fortner (Russ), devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, went to be with the Lord after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.
Nearly 79 years earlier, on January 14, 1947, Russ was born to Arlene (Friebel) and Darrell Fortner in Britton, South Dakota. He was the eldest of six siblings. The family later moved from Britton to Ekalaka, Montana, and then to Rapid City, South Dakota, where Russ graduated from high school.
Russ attended the University of South Dakota for one year before moving with his family to St. Paul. He later attended the University of Minnesota while working for the Milwaukee Railroad. Russ went on to build what would become a 50-year career as a lumber broker, eventually owning his own business. This afforded him the flexibility to focus on his true passions—his family, community involvement, and of course, some fishing and hunting.
In 1972, Russ purchased a cabin on Lake Sylvia and quickly fell in love with the lake and the surrounding Annandale/South Haven area. In 1977, he was blessed with a son, Jonathan.
In 1983, fate intervened when Peggy Jo Danielson—who had purchased a Lake Sylvia cabin three years earlier—found herself and her son, Seth (age four), stranded on what was known as "Sandy Beach." Russ, along with his son Jonathan (age five), came to the rescue. The encounter left a lasting impression on Russ. On July 21, 1984, he declared to his lake friends that he would find the "stranded blonde" again and vowed not to return until he did. Setting out in his 12-foot aluminum fishing boat, Russ searched the shores of Lake Sylvia until his determination paid off. He found Peggy Jo, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Russ and Peggy Jo were married on January 21, 1988. Their sons, having been together from such a young age, grew up as true brothers. The family lived in Edina while enjoying their Lake Sylvia cabin for 20 years. In 2004, the couple fulfilled a shared dream by building their forever home on the Lake Sylvia property. Together, they were blessed to spend more than 40 years on that property—first as a cherished cabin and later as their dream home.
Russ was deeply committed to his community, no matter the location. While his involvement and contributions are too numerous to list in full, he felt strongly about youth mentorship and community development. He was heavily involved with the Edina Basketball Association (EBA), where he ran the boys' basketball program (grades 1-9) for 17 years and served in multiple leadership roles, including Secretary. Russ championed the addition of city basketball courts funded by the Association and was particularly proud of the successful addition of courts at Utley Park. The EBA later established—and continues to award—an annual scholarship in Russ's name. He also coached and refereed youth basketball for many years and was named WCCO Radio Youth Sports Mentor of the Year in 2001.
When Russ moved from Edina to Lake Sylvia full-time, he brought his passion for service with him. He was actively involved in the Annandale Lions Club for more than 15 years, serving as President, Board Member, and proud sponsor of new members. Through the Lions, Russ earned the Helen Keller Sight Award.
Russ was also devoted to the Kiwanis Club of Annandale, where he served as President, Board Member, and member. He served on the board of Youth First, volunteered at the Annandale Food Shelf, and was always seeking ways to serve others while enjoying the camaraderie that came with it.
Russ was a devoted steward of Lake Sylvia, deeply committed to its protection and preservation. His involvement with the Board of the Greater Lake Sylvia Association (GLSA) spanned more than 32 years. He formally joined the Board in 2013 and served most of his tenure in executive leadership roles, including President from 2018 to 2023. While Russ was instrumental in building community and leading fundraising efforts such as the annual GLSA Golf Tournament, his primary focus remained on preservation initiatives—most notably efforts to combat Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). He played a key role in securing grants to fund the first AIS inspection program of its kind in Wright County. In recognition of his dedication, Russ received the GLSA Service Award in 2018 and the GLSA Achievement Award in 2023.
Although Parkinson's disease eventually limited his community involvement, Russ's sense of purpose never wavered. The friendships and camaraderie he built over decades of service sustained him and brought him great joy.
In 2022, Russ was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church, a meaningful step in his faith journey. He especially cherished the fellowship and friendships formed through his Bible study group.
Russ enjoyed reading, gardening, fishing, hunting, antiquing, boat rides around the lake with his wife, spending time with his grandchildren, and putting his sons to work around the cabin while maintaining a supervisory role. He was a generous man who would do anything for those he loved. Though his jokes and involvement indicated the opposite, he preferred to remain anonymous with his generosity. He was proud of his sons but would never allow it to go to their heads. His sense of humor would be described as "unique" by some but appreciated by many - and his friends were many.
His wife adored him and he her. She remained by his side, sacrificing until the end, making sure he knew just how important and loved he was. He will be missed by many, but by none more than her.
Russ is survived by his wife, Peggy Jo Danielson-Fortner, of Annandale, Minnesota; sons Jonathan Fortner (Stephanie; daughters Seana and Scarlett) of Bismarck, North Dakota, and Seth Jaydan (Melissa; daughter Emma Jane) of Annandale; sisters Nola Fortner of Edina, Minnesota; Jane Faber of Houston, Texas; Nancy Jo Ramsey of Powhatan Point, Ohio; and brother Tom Fortner of Maple Grove, Minnesota.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Southbrook Golf Course, 511 Morrison Avenue NW, Annandale, MN 55302.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Russ's name may be directed to the Greater Lake Sylvia Association (GLSA), P.O. Box 41, Annandale, MN 55302.
Online donations:
https://lakesylvia.org/Donations
Please select "Unrestricted" under the "Use my donation for" field and include "Russ Fortner Memorial" in the comments section.
Nearly 79 years earlier, on January 14, 1947, Russ was born to Arlene (Friebel) and Darrell Fortner in Britton, South Dakota. He was the eldest of six siblings. The family later moved from Britton to Ekalaka, Montana, and then to Rapid City, South Dakota, where Russ graduated from high school.
Russ attended the University of South Dakota for one year before moving with his family to St. Paul. He later attended the University of Minnesota while working for the Milwaukee Railroad. Russ went on to build what would become a 50-year career as a lumber broker, eventually owning his own business. This afforded him the flexibility to focus on his true passions—his family, community involvement, and of course, some fishing and hunting.
In 1972, Russ purchased a cabin on Lake Sylvia and quickly fell in love with the lake and the surrounding Annandale/South Haven area. In 1977, he was blessed with a son, Jonathan.
In 1983, fate intervened when Peggy Jo Danielson—who had purchased a Lake Sylvia cabin three years earlier—found herself and her son, Seth (age four), stranded on what was known as "Sandy Beach." Russ, along with his son Jonathan (age five), came to the rescue. The encounter left a lasting impression on Russ. On July 21, 1984, he declared to his lake friends that he would find the "stranded blonde" again and vowed not to return until he did. Setting out in his 12-foot aluminum fishing boat, Russ searched the shores of Lake Sylvia until his determination paid off. He found Peggy Jo, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Russ and Peggy Jo were married on January 21, 1988. Their sons, having been together from such a young age, grew up as true brothers. The family lived in Edina while enjoying their Lake Sylvia cabin for 20 years. In 2004, the couple fulfilled a shared dream by building their forever home on the Lake Sylvia property. Together, they were blessed to spend more than 40 years on that property—first as a cherished cabin and later as their dream home.
Russ was deeply committed to his community, no matter the location. While his involvement and contributions are too numerous to list in full, he felt strongly about youth mentorship and community development. He was heavily involved with the Edina Basketball Association (EBA), where he ran the boys' basketball program (grades 1-9) for 17 years and served in multiple leadership roles, including Secretary. Russ championed the addition of city basketball courts funded by the Association and was particularly proud of the successful addition of courts at Utley Park. The EBA later established—and continues to award—an annual scholarship in Russ's name. He also coached and refereed youth basketball for many years and was named WCCO Radio Youth Sports Mentor of the Year in 2001.
When Russ moved from Edina to Lake Sylvia full-time, he brought his passion for service with him. He was actively involved in the Annandale Lions Club for more than 15 years, serving as President, Board Member, and proud sponsor of new members. Through the Lions, Russ earned the Helen Keller Sight Award.
Russ was also devoted to the Kiwanis Club of Annandale, where he served as President, Board Member, and member. He served on the board of Youth First, volunteered at the Annandale Food Shelf, and was always seeking ways to serve others while enjoying the camaraderie that came with it.
Russ was a devoted steward of Lake Sylvia, deeply committed to its protection and preservation. His involvement with the Board of the Greater Lake Sylvia Association (GLSA) spanned more than 32 years. He formally joined the Board in 2013 and served most of his tenure in executive leadership roles, including President from 2018 to 2023. While Russ was instrumental in building community and leading fundraising efforts such as the annual GLSA Golf Tournament, his primary focus remained on preservation initiatives—most notably efforts to combat Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). He played a key role in securing grants to fund the first AIS inspection program of its kind in Wright County. In recognition of his dedication, Russ received the GLSA Service Award in 2018 and the GLSA Achievement Award in 2023.
Although Parkinson's disease eventually limited his community involvement, Russ's sense of purpose never wavered. The friendships and camaraderie he built over decades of service sustained him and brought him great joy.
In 2022, Russ was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church, a meaningful step in his faith journey. He especially cherished the fellowship and friendships formed through his Bible study group.
Russ enjoyed reading, gardening, fishing, hunting, antiquing, boat rides around the lake with his wife, spending time with his grandchildren, and putting his sons to work around the cabin while maintaining a supervisory role. He was a generous man who would do anything for those he loved. Though his jokes and involvement indicated the opposite, he preferred to remain anonymous with his generosity. He was proud of his sons but would never allow it to go to their heads. His sense of humor would be described as "unique" by some but appreciated by many - and his friends were many.
His wife adored him and he her. She remained by his side, sacrificing until the end, making sure he knew just how important and loved he was. He will be missed by many, but by none more than her.
Russ is survived by his wife, Peggy Jo Danielson-Fortner, of Annandale, Minnesota; sons Jonathan Fortner (Stephanie; daughters Seana and Scarlett) of Bismarck, North Dakota, and Seth Jaydan (Melissa; daughter Emma Jane) of Annandale; sisters Nola Fortner of Edina, Minnesota; Jane Faber of Houston, Texas; Nancy Jo Ramsey of Powhatan Point, Ohio; and brother Tom Fortner of Maple Grove, Minnesota.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Southbrook Golf Course, 511 Morrison Avenue NW, Annandale, MN 55302.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Russ's name may be directed to the Greater Lake Sylvia Association (GLSA), P.O. Box 41, Annandale, MN 55302.
Online donations:
https://lakesylvia.org/Donations
Please select "Unrestricted" under the "Use my donation for" field and include "Russ Fortner Memorial" in the comments section.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Russell (Russ) Leo Fortner, please visit our flower store.
Russell (Russ) Leo Fortner's Guestbook
Visits: 630
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors