Russell Deschepper

RUSSELL HOMER DeSCHEPPER was born to Louis and Bertha (Veire) DeSchepper on October 14, 1924 on the family farm east of Ihlen, Minnesota. As a small child, he moved to a farm near Jasper, Minnesota where he was raised and attended country school. Upon completion of his education, he worked for Art Bisson on his farm. On December 3, 1947, he was united in marriage to Audrey Nelson at St. Catherine's rectory in Luverne, Minnesota. Following their marriage, they lived in Luverne and Russ worked for Woods Manufacturing, Vic's Plumbing and Heating and McClure Plumbing and Heating. In 1961, they moved to Pipestone, Minnesota, and Russ began working for Central Natural Gas Company which later became known as Minnegasco. He continued to work there until his retirement in 1988. On October 30, 2009, he became a resident of the Good Samaritan Communities of Pipestone where he died on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at the age of 86 years, 11 months and 16 days.

As a child, Russ was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper. He was currently a member of St. Leo Catholic Church in Pipestone. He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus, the Lion's Club, the Lion's Clown Club, and the Pipestone Ambulance Association. He was a charter member of the Pipestone Golden K Club, and he was a 40-pint blood donor. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, square dancing, dancing, and playing cards. He loved to take trips with his friends. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Audrey DeSchepper of Pipestone, MN, three children, Ronald DeSchepper and his wife Kara “Kathy” of Pipestone, Minnesota, Darla Slack and her husband Brian of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Debra Mundt and her husband Scott of Brookings, South Dakota; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and one brother, Arnold DeSchepper and his wife Janet of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary; his parents; two brothers, Stanley and Dean; and one sister, Doris Roemeling.