Russell Kesl

RUSSELL KESL

Elberon

Russell Charles Kesl, 93, of Elberon, died Tuesday, July 1, 2014, at the Hiawatha Care Center. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 5, at Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine, with Pastor Charles Johnson officiating. Burial, with military rites, will be in National Cemetery, Vining.

Russell was born Jan. 19, 1921, on a farm north of Elberon to Fred and Agnes Behounek Kesl. He and his family moved to Elberon when he was 14. He was a graduate of Elberon High School. After high school he moved to Des Moines to study communications. He was drafted in World War II and served in the Philippines for two years and then returned to Elberon. He built his own carpentry business that he ran for 50 years.

Russell was a member for 50 years of the Elberon Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as bookkeeper. He was a member of the Elberon American Legion from the time he got out of the service until his death. He also was a member of the CSA for many years and served as bookkeeper.

Survivors include his brother, Richard of Marion; nieces, Linda (Arlyn) Sievert of Kentwood, Mich., Susan (Craig) Cooper of Davenport and Carol Kesl of Marion; nephew, Lyle (Barb) Kesl of Kelley, Iowa; great-niece and great-nephews, Kayla Kesl, Craig and Mitch Cooper and Justin Sievert; and great-great-niece and great-great-nephews, Chase and Madie Cooper and Jackson Sievert.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be directed to the Elberon Fire Department.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.hrabakfuneral home.com under obituaries.