Russell Lyman Hendryx

Russell Lyman Hendryx, 77, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away March 14, 2024, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa, with his wife by his side. A private celebration of Russell's life is planned for family and friends. Russell was born January 31, 1947, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Donald and Hilda Hendryx. He graduated from Walker High School in 1965 and joined the United States Air Force in 1967. He served four years with a deployment in Germany before being medically discharged with the rank of staff sergeant. Russell married Susan Jane Wenc on June 21, 1975, in Fall River, Massachusetts. They made their home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where Russell worked as a lab technician at Cargill for 45 years before retiring. He was proud to be the only lab technician without a college degree. Russell was soft-spoken but loved striking up a conversation or sharing stories with friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers, whose day he hoped to brighten with a quick quip. He was especially fond of babies and small children. Russell loved classic cars and as a former airman retained an interest in airplanes. He was also an amateur birdwatcher and bird-photographer. He had a large collection of LPs and was an avid NPR listener and nonfiction reader, and was particularly curious about keeping up with science news. He was dedicated to his family and a strong supporter of his children's pursuits, especially their interest in music and arts. Russell is survived by his wife of 48 years; four children, Erica (Christopher) Coutsouridis, Carl (Lacey) Hendryx, Joseph (Alison) Hendryx and Phoenix Hendryx; one grandson, George Coutsouridis; four siblings, Kathleen Peterka, Milton (Betty) Hendryx, Merle (Wayne) Welte and Charles Hendryx; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, baby stillborn and brother Leslie Hendryx. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy.