Russell R. Graves

Russell Graves, 86, lifelong resident of Elba, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at St. Isidore Health Center in Plainview, Minnesota. Russell was born September 15, 1926, in Fairwater Minnesota to Verne and Francis (McDougall) Graves. He married Mary Jo Kirch on August 28, 1950, in Plainview, MN. They made their home in Plainview for a brief time while Russ farmed with his brother Gordy, then moved to Winona for a few years before returning to Elba to farm with his brother-in-law, Bernard Kirch. Elba became their permanent home, for the rest of their lives. Mary Jo passed away in 1993.He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Minnesota. Russ honorably served his country with the U.S. Army during World War II, with time spent in Japan. In 1952, he began his career at Badger Equipment in Winona retiring in 1992. He had a love for old tractors and equipment, designing items to help out on the farm, and salvaging metals. Reminiscing with family and friends was his greatest love. Russ is survived by his children, Carol (Randy) Schmitz, Betty Jo (Jose) Rico, Robin (Juan Loera) Graves, Chris (Kerry) Graves, and estranged son Jack Graves and family, grandchildren Laura (Travis) Lorenz, Ryan (Samantha) Hoover, Mark (Erin) Hoover, Eduardo (Edith) Rico, Jose Rico Jr., Hilda Lee (Rafael) Rico Garcia, Dakota Rico, Paula (Joel) Casa-Loera, Erick (Norma) Loera, Elizabeth Loera and Emily Graves, 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brothers Steve (June) Graves, Blaine, MN, Larry (Priscilla) Graves, Rochester, MN, sisters Arlene Goetz and Beverly Babler of Winona, MN, and sister-in-law Delores Graves, Mazeppa, MN.He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his brothers Leslie, Darwin (Bill), Gordon, and James Graves, and sister Violet Mueller.Funeral Services for Russ will be 2PM Saturday, April 20th at Faith Lutheran Church in St. Charles with the Reverend Stephan McGinley officiating. Friends may call one hour before services at the church. Military honors will be conducted by the St. Charles Veterans of Foreign War and American Legion Posts. He will be laid to rest with his wife at Valley Home Cemetery near his home in Elba.Please share a memory of Russ at his on-line guestbook and view his Tribute Video at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service of St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/386608