Dr. Homer Russ

Dr. Homer Hugh Russ (Dr. H.H. Russ), 82, of Green Cove Springs, Florida, passed away Saturday, May 28, 2016, in his home surrounded by the love of his family and his beloved dog, Harry. Dr Russ was proceeded in death by his parents, Dr. Homer Herald Russ and Martha Yvonne Russ; Stephen Russ (infant brother). He is survived by his spouse of over 59 years, Carolyn (Monson) Russ, his three daughters; Susan (David) Draxler of Minneapolis, MN, Jennifer (Russell) Wanke of Appleton, WI, Amy Gruen of Fleming Island, FL. He was also blessed and survived by seven grandchildren: Meghan Draxler Peterson (Mark), Melissa Draxler (fiance Mac Milan), Tyler Wanke, Casidy Wanke, Jacob (Amy) Gruen, Nicholas Gruen & Brianna Gruen; great grandchildren: Jordynn & Brandon Gruen; Christian and Jaxon Cook. Dr. Russ is also survived by siblings: Robert Russ of Walworth, WI; Hollyce Swan of Seattle, WA; Lynette Russ of Mankato, MN & Albert (Vickie) Russ of Blue Earth, MN. Dr. Russ was born and raised in Blue Earth, Minnesota. He was the son of a physician who was a general practitioner, and a teacher/principal. The fourth child of 6 children. He was a good athlete in high school and particularly loved track and football but also enjoyed being in school plays. Dr. Russ graduated Salutatorian from Blue Earth High School in 1951. He attended college at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, and graduated Cum Laude in 1955. While at Gustavus, he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Chi Fraternity and was a champion track runner and broad jumper who broke and held MIAC/ state records. The 100 yard dash being a favorite. Dr. Russ went on to medical school at the University of Minnesota and graduated in June, 1959. He was a member of the Phi Rho Sigma Medical Fraternity. He spent the first part of his medical career as a general practitioner in Le Center, Minnesota, Lindstrom, Minnesota and Warroad, Minnesota. In Warroad, he was the only doctor in a small town and was on duty/call 24 hours a day/7 days a week. He was a very devoted and beloved doctor there and also established a love for hockey as was the doctor for the Warroad High School hockey team for 6 years. After six years in Warroad, Dr. Russ decided to specialize and became a Fellow in Therapeutic Radiology at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota (1971-1974). He then went on to spend the next 24 years of his career working at the Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, Wisconsin, as a Radiation Oncologist, serving as Chief of Staff for many of those years. He retired to a golf community in Green Cove Springs. Florida, in 1997. Dr. Russ enjoyed many hobbies and activities upon retirement which included reading, cooking, baking (apple pies a favorite), gardening/yard work, golfing, home improvement projects, learning how to make stain glass (made some beautiful replacement windows for the church), spending summers at his beloved cabin in Minocqua, Wisconsin. and last, but not least, going on long walks with his dogs. He loved his church in Green Cove Springs and devoted many hours over the years helping with church building improvement/restoration projects. Most of all, Dr. Russ, enjoyed spending time with his family whom he loved dearly. He will live on in the hearts of his family forever as will all the wonderful memories! We love you and will miss you! Special thanks go out to all the friends and neighbors who provided support and kindness these past 5 months. Also, the Mayo Clinic medical staff who provided his care. We are forever grateful to the Northeast Florida Community Hospice for the wonderful care provided to Dr. Russ in his final weeks. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Northeast Florida Community Hospice, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257 and/or First Presbyterian Church of Green Cove Springs, 300 Gum Street, Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, June 4, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church of Green Cove Springs with Rev. Mark Hults officiating. Following the service the family will receive friends in the fellowhip hall for desserts and coffee.