Russell Hendrix

Russell Glenn Hendrix, age 79 of Pierre, formerly of Sioux Falls, passed away unexpectedly on October 30, 2025 at Sanford USD Medical Center after post-surgical complications.
Russ was born in Gillette WY to Lyle and Elaine (Stoner) Hendrix on March 23, 1946. He spent his childhood in Gillette, WY prior to moving to Carthage SD with his family in 1952.
Russ lived in Carthage from1952-1964 where he graduated from high school. He married the love of his life, Sharon Hart of Howard, SD on December 6, 1964. In 1967 he attended General Beadle State Teachers College. In 1971 he was the first graduating class of Dakota State University after they changed their name. He majored in History and Business Administration. Russ found he had a great passion and personality for sales while working at Myrl and Roy's Paving while in college and then as their office manager after graduation. He went to work for Iseman Mobile Homes as their Insurance Director. Russ started in the insurance industry when he started working for JT Miller and Associates out of Minneapolis, MN selling insurance in SD.
A lifelong public servant, Russ devoted more than 30+ years to the volunteer fire service which included Assistant Chief and Treasurer of Wayne Township Fire Department (Just out of Sioux Fall, SD). In Pierre he was Captain of Engine #2 and Captain of Pierre Rural,, Pierre Fire Chief, and Pierre Rural Fire Chief, protecting his community with courage, skill, and compassion. As Chief of Pierre Rural he was instrumental in building the new fire station on Airport Road. Russ was a Lifetime Member of the Pierre Fire Department. He was a FEMA type 3 incident commander, FEMA & NWCG certified instructor for 100-200-300-400 incident command classes. He was a member of Northern Great Plains Management Team, member of SD Society of Fire Instructors, member of SD Fire Chiefs Association, and member of SD Firefighters Association. Member of Son's of the Legion. Beyond his remarkable service as a volunteer firefighter, he brought the same dedication and creativity to his life's work as an innovator in the insurance field. Russ and his wife Sharon, moved to Pierre from Sioux Falls in 1984, where Russ started the new insurance division of the SD Banker's Association. Later, and always seeking new ways to help others and make systems better for those who depended on them, Russ left the SD Banker's Association and started working for Fischer Rounds and Associates.
During his 30 years with Fischer Rounds, Russ combined his passion for firefighting with his insurance career selling and managing insurance plans for fire departments, EMS services and municipalities throughout SD and ND.
After retirement in 2014 he and Sharon enjoyed spending time between their homes in AZ and SD and traveling throughout the world. They enjoyed exotic travels to Australia and several Viking River Cruise tours through Europe, as well as many trips to Mexico and the Dominican Republic. They also had many joyful trips to their favorite island, their "heaven on earth", St Maarten.
Known for his ready smile and joking manner, Russ could be counted on to lift spirits-even when he wasn't feeling his best. His sense of humor, kindness, and strength of character left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sharon of Pierre and Buckeye, AZ, three children, Tina and Chad Schiller of Cottage Grove MN, Tammi and Brad Stangohr of Pierre SD, and Travis and Sarah (Lord) Hendrix of Harrisburg SD, 8 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of his life. He is also survived by his brother Ron of Garretson, his sister Barbara Bauer of Sioux Falls, his sister Nancy and Kevin Miller of Jamestown ND, and sister Trude and Bob Hendrickson of Mesa AZ. He was proceeded in death by his parents Lyle and Elaine Hendrix, his brother-in-law Dale Bauer, his sister-in-law Margaret Hendrix, sister–in-law Janie Hendrix, his nephew Kevin Hendrix, and his nephew Jason Bauer. Russ' legacy of service, love, and laughter will continue to live on through them and all those whose lives he touched.
A full Fire Department Honors Funeral will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Pierre on June 6th, 2026 and A Celebration of his Life will follow at The Legion Cabin in Pierre immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to a charity which they are looking to establish in his honor.