Russell Leef

Russell N. Leef, age 84, a resident of Webster died November 18, 2010 at Spooner Health System. Russell was born on November 17, 1926 in Rusk Township, Burnett County to Carl and Maude (Christner) Leef. Russell attended Gaslyn School thru the 8th grade. Russell served in the United States Army during World War II with Company A of the 34th Engineer Combat Battalion. Russell married Betty Knutson on January 11, 1949 in Pine City, Minnesota. To this union two children were born Connie and Karen. Russell was a carpenter in the Spooner and Webster area for many years. He was a charter member of the Disabled American Vets Chapter #66. Russell enjoyed living on Benoit Lake and waterskiing with friends. He even built his own speedboat. Being a nature lover, he loved the outdoors watching the deer, bear, geese, loons and ducks. He took time to going hunting and fishing. Russell played guitar for a number of years with his brother-in-law Norman Knutson. They enjoyed playing country and old time music. His favorite times were spent with his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Russell was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Melvin and Leonard. Russell is survived by his loving wife Betty; his daughters Connie (Keith) Crosby, and Karen (Tom) Ennis; grandchildren Tom (Joanie) Ennis, Keri (Luke) Robotti; great grandchildren Havanna, Ayden, and Haylie Robotti; Lauralie Ennis; sister-in-law Nancy Knutson; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 23, 2010 from 5:00-8:00 PM at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 11:00 AM (visitation 10-11 AM)at Grace United Methodist Church with Pastor Cindy Glocke officiating. Music will be provided by Hank and Karen Mangelsen and Dianne Gravesen. Interment will follow at the Spooner Cemetery in Spooner. Casketbearers were Tom B. Ennis, Luke Robotti, Roger Leef, Larry Leef, Robert Bednar, and Jim Shives. Honorary casketbearers were Donald Knutson, Winton Christner, Dwaine Bentley, Carles (Dick) Fristed, Steve Schmidt, Leonard (Butch) Larson.