Russell Donald Wollum

Russell D. Wollum, age 81, of Milaca, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 28, 2010 at the Heritage Nursing Center in Foley. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 2 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Milaca with Rev. Tim Bauer officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to services at the church on Thursday. Interment will follow at Wendell Hill Cemetery near Milaca. Military honors will be provided by Hansen-Hayes American Legion Post #178 and Siemers-Hakes VFW Post #10794. Russell Donald Wollum was born in Minneapolis on June 14, 1928. He spent his childhood in the Twin Cities and, for a short time, in Milaca. As a young adult, he met Lois Swensen on a blind date at Excelsior Amusement Park. They were united in marriage on October 18, 1947 in Webster, SD and the rest is history! Russ was a member of the National Guard and served during the Korean Conflict. Their first home was in Richfield. Later on they moved to Bloomington, Burnsville and eventually Milaca in 1966 where they purchased a hobby farm. They spent many years on the farm and upon retirement they moved into town. Russ worked as a fleet driver for the Star Tribune, retiring after 47 years in 1992. Since he enjoyed driving, he soon found employment with Milaca Public Schools as a van driver and took great joy in transporting students and caring for the van service pool. He retired from that position in 2007. His passion was people and he loved to be surrounded by his family and friends. He was always willing to help others and spent many years volunteering at the Milaca Food Pantry. In March 2003 Russ and Lois were recognized as WCCO Good Neighbors for their years of service at the Pantry. He always enjoyed a drive in the country and you could frequently find him at a slot machine in MN or WI. In 2009, Russ and Lois moved to Foley. After a few bouts with health problems, Russ moved into the Heritage Care Center in Foley. Russ leaves behind by Lois, his loving wife of 62 years; children, Jerene (Lyle) Anderson of Ramsey, John (Cindy Lien) of Maple Grove, Jackie (Bob) Vance of Brook Park, Jody Kessner (friend Jerry Fuhr) of New Brighton, Jay of Milaca, and Joel (Brenda) of Sauk Rapids; grandchildren, Linnea, Kirsten (Mark), Julianne, Brendan, Robert, Tiffany, Cassie, Nikki, Gretchen, Brenna, Nolan, Emma, Eden and Nathan; great grandchildren, Justen, Samantha, Heather, Cole and Savannah; sister, Gladys (Everett) Dale of Edina; many other relatives and friends. Russ will be welcomed into heaven by his parents, Louis and Ella; sisters, Lillian, Alice, and Betty; brothers, Art and Robert; as well as several friends and family members. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Milaca Area Pantry, Trinity Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.