Russell G. Petersen

Russell George Petersen, age 85, of Monroe, Louisiana, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Ouachita Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, March 5, 2026, in the chapel of Kilpatrick Funeral Home, 1200 Lamy Lane, Monroe, Louisiana. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. prior to the service. Interment will follow at a later date at Silver Cross Cemetery in Tallulah, Louisiana, at the family's discretion.

Russell was born on June 26, 1940, at his family home in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Margaret and Albert Petersen. In his early years, his family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, before eventually settling in the Houston, Texas area, where Russell graduated from San Jacinto High School. During his high school years, he was an avid football player and proudly played the nose tackle position.

In 1960, Russell moved to Tallulah, Louisiana, where he made his home for many years while raising his family. He played a key role in the construction and operation of Madison Grain Company, an agricultural commodities business. He was also involved in the operation of Crescent Plantation, a row-crop farming enterprise. In 1976, Russell transitioned into the financial management field and made Monroe his home, where he continued his career for many years.

Russell enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He could often be found cruising around Lake Bruin, playing tennis, or spending time outdoors mowing yards - activities that reflected both his active spirit and love for being outside.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Elizabeth "Betty" DeMoss Petersen; his children, Russell G. Petersen, Jr., Margaret Petersen, John Petersen, and Rodney Durr; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and his sister, Dolores Wilhelm.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Gus Albert Petersen and Clint Durr; his parents; one sister; and two brothers.

The family suggests memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.