Phillip Earl Russell

Phillip Earl Russell, known to those who loved him as "Pat", stepped from this world into the loving embrace of our Lord on Monday, November 22, 2010. His three year courageous battle with cancer is now finished and he can find rest in the words, "Well done." He inspired all who knew him and will be remembered with fondness and smiles. Pat Russell born August 25, 1960 to Donald Earl and Betty Ann (Rynestad) Russell was raised in Grand Forks, ND. He attended Central High School and graduated in 1978. He earned a degree in Diesel Mechanics at the AVTI in East Grand Forks in 1980. Pat's working career would lead him down many paths culminating with his most current employer, Reimer Welding in EGF. At 6'5" Pat was hard to miss and with his sense of humor and easy going personality, he made many friends throughout his journey in life. Pat became a father in 1987and 1990, with the birth of his daughters; Brittany Ann and Melanie Jeanette. He was proud of his girls and especially enjoyed weekend camping trips with them as they grew up. His passions in life were his family, hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle. On April 10, 2000 Pat married the love of his life Barbara J. "Bobbie" Holter of Oslo, MN. They settled in Manvel, ND and have enjoyed their years together; falling deeper in love and remaining dedicated to each other through Pat's fight against cancer. Their time together was too short, but their reunion in heaven one day will be joyous and sweet for eternity. In April 2009, Karsen J. White was born to Brittany making Pat a proud grandfather. Pat is survived by his wife Bobbie J. Russell (Manvel, ND), daughters Brittany A. (Grand Forks, ND) and Melanie J. (Williston, ND) engaged to Sterling Taylor (Grand Forks), sister Pamela R. Russell (Bob Korfhage) of Grand Forks, brother Randall L. (Cindy) Russell of Grand Forks, nieces Dawn M. (Jerod) Seaver, Katie L. Russell, and Elizabeth J. Russell all of Grand Forks, and grandson Karsen J. White. Pat's extended family of well loved aunts, uncles and cousins as well as the family of Barbara R. Holter (Oslo, MN) will deeply miss him. Preceding Pat in death were his parents Donald Earl and Betty Ann (Rynestad) Russell, grandparents Kittel and Cora Rynestad, brother Floyd J. "Duff" Russell, and sister-in-law Lila Mae Holter. **In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the Team Jason Stadstad Cancer Fund PO Box 173 Manvel, ND 58256, Middle Grove Church 1981 24th Ave NE Mekinock, ND 58258, or a charity of your choice. FUNERAL SERVICES: Saturday, November 27, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. at Cottonwood Community Church 308 S. 5th St. in Grand Forks. VISITATION: Friday, November 26 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a presentation beginning at 6:00 p.m. followed by a 6:30 p.m. prayer service at Amundson Funeral Home 2975 S. 42nd St. Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will continue for the hour prior to the service at the church. INTERMENT: Oslo Riverside Cemetery, Oslo, MN.