Russell, Marie Johanna

Marie Johanna Russell, 87, died Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, at the Jones Regional Medical Center in Anamosa. Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 19, at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church in rural Monticello. The Rev. Ellery Dykeman will officiate at the service. Friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Goettsch Funeral Home in Anamosa. Interment will be at Wayne Zion Cemetery.

Surviving are her son, Dave Dirks of Anamosa; seven grandchildren, Sam, Alex, Katie, Jamey, Chanin, Sara and Amber Dirks; 10 great-grandchildren; a sister, Clara Jonnie Pegorick of Anamosa; many dear nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Gerry Russell; daughter-in-law, Beth Thomas of Anamosa; and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Earl Dirks (1972) and Lyle “Squirt” Russell (2004); a son, Leon (1986); an infant granddaughter; and a great-grandson, Mason.

Marie Johanna Zimmerman was born May 19, 1924, in Cass Township in Jones County, the daughter of Henry and Angel (Fechtman) Zimmerman. Marie was baptized on June 1, 1924, at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church. She was confirmed April 2, 1939. Marie attended Wayne No. 3 School. On Dec. 17, 1945, Marie and Earl Dirks were united in marriage. Earl preceded her in death. Then on Oct. 2, 1976, Marie married Lyle Russell, who preceded her in death.

Marie worked at the Anamosa Drug for 24 years before retiring in 1988. She was a lifelong member of Wayne Zion Lutheran Church and a member of Gale Edwards VFW 4077 Ladies Auxiliary for 11 years. Marie enjoyed scrapbooking, taking pictures and had 40-some album books, dancing and playing cards, but the thing she treasured most was the time she was given to spend with her family and friends.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at .

Published in The Gazette on Sept. 17, 2011