Russell Ordell Falness

1935 - 2024

Russell Ordell Falness, age 88, of Mound, MN, passed away on June 29, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

Russ was born July 1, 1935, in Dawson, MN, to Roy and Olga Falness. He was the middle child of 7 siblings. He grew up on the family farm in Dawson where he helped care for the animals and worked in the fields. In school, he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball. His love of baseball transferred to when he joined the service and played for the Army baseball team while stationed in France.

When Russ came home from overseas, he lived in Minneapolis and worked at the Ford Motor Company on their assembly line before deciding to go to Barber School. He met his wife, Betty Ann Hugg, while they both lived in Minneapolis, and she even helped him study for his boards to become a barber.

In 1959, he moved to Mound, MN and began his career as one of the town barbers before starting his own business. On December 3, 1960, he married his sweetheart, Betty Ann. They had three children, twins Mark and Mike and a daughter Kim. Russ worked for over 40 years as a barber. He would also work the farm in Dawson on his days off.

Russ thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors. He took great pride in his yard and spent many hours keeping it pristine. Russ loved golfing, volleyball, hunting, fishing, and boating. Many of these activities he enjoyed with family and dear friends. He especially had a passion for playing softball, which he played until he was 85 years old. He participated in three Senior World Series and won two of them.

Russ and Betty took many trips with family, which included Hawaii, Alaska, Norway, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Mexico, and a cruise through the Panama Canal, to name a few.

Russ was diagnosed with Alzheimer's when he was 80 years old. Betty stood faithfully by his side and was his caretaker through this journey of long goodbyes. We will always remember those bright blue eyes, that sweet smile and his playful sense of humor.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Olga Falness and his sisters Betty Lou Golden and Delores Erickson.

Russ is survived by his wife Betty of 64 years; brothers Elton (Nancy), Roy (Judy), David (Colleen); sister Donna Anderson; sons Mark (Dawn), Mike (Lori) and daughter Kim Woodcock (Murray); grandchildren Brandon, Kristine, Anna, Trenton (Kristen) and Kaitlyn; and an abundance of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, August 1, 2024, with a visitation at 10:00 am, a service at 11:00 am and a luncheon to follow at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3745 Shoreline Drive, Navarre, MN 55391.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to the Alzheimer's Association, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or the Gillespie Center.