Russell, Denise K.

Denise K. Russell, 47, died unexpectedly Saturday, April 9, 2011, at her home in Coralville. Funeral services will be held 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City, with visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Coralville.

Denise K. (Peterson) Russell was born July 28, 1963, in Burlington, Iowa, daughter of Marshall and Donna (Stewart) Peterson. She graduated from Burlington High School in 1982. That same year she married Harry Russell. The couple lived in Burlington for several years until moving to Coralville, where they've resided for over 20 years. Denise has worked at the University of Iowa Bookstore for 20 years and more recently worked as a custodial supervisor.

Denise loved anything Disney, especially Mickey Mouse. She also enjoyed scrapbooking, traveling with family and boating. She cherished her two golden retrievers and always made sure her family knew her love. She held her friends and family close to her heart.

Her family includes her husband, Harry; daughter, Sarah (Joseph) O'Brien of Coralville; parents, Marshall and Donna Peterson of Burlington; brother, Jeffrey (Annette) Peterson of Burlington; brother-in-law, Lloyd Russell of Fargo, N.D.; mother-in-law, Jane Wismer of Burlington; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Harry Russell Jr.; and her grandparents.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Denise Russell memorial fund which will be used to start a college fund for her grandchild, who is expected to be born in July.

Online condolences may be sent to her family through the web at

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City is caring for Denise's family and her arrangements.