Russell Anthony

DR. RUSSELL H. ANTHONY

Cedar Rapids

Dr. Russell H. Anthony, 93, passed away Jan. 4, 2017, at Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha.

Dr. Anthony was born on a farm west of Providence, Ill., in November 1923 to Harold and Cora (Miller) Anthony. After high school, Russell joined the Army Air Corps, where he served as a top turret gunner on a B-26 median bomber. He served for 41 months and 31 combat missions and attained the rank of sergeant. He was awarded the Good Conduct Ribbon, Distinguished Unit Citation, Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, ETO Ribbon with 4 Battle Stars, ATO Ribbon and Croix de Guerre Ribbon. Later in life, he went on to be a lifetime charter member of the World War II National Memorial.

Once he completed his service to our country, he went on to study veterinary medicine. He achieved his pre-vet degree from the University of Illinois and his doctorate from Iowa State University. He graduated with honors, ending with a perfect 4.0 GPA. This was the highest in his class, and was honored with a plaque in Beardshear Hall.

While in school, he was awarded the George Judish and Borden Scholarship, as well as induction into several honor societies, including Gamma Sigma Delta, Phi Zeta and Phi Kappa Phi.

Dr. Anthony began his practice in Mount Carroll, Ill. In 1954, he moved to Cedar Rapids, where he established Anthony Animal Hospital. In his early practice years, he served as the veterinarian for Bever Park Zoo. He served as president of the Eastern Iowa Veterinary Medical Association, as well as president of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association. He served on the Iowa State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners for nine years, and for five years on the American Veterinary Medical Association's Political Action Committee. Iowa State honored him with the Gentle Doctor Award for his outstanding performance. He retired from his practice in 1982, and was appointed as Cedar Rapids city veterinarian. After that he served as veterinary consultant for Avid Microchip Co. for the Midwest.

Dr. Anthony had a long and distinguished Shrine and Masonic career. In his 50-plus years in the organization, he was a member of Mizpah Lodge 639, York Rite, Scottish Rite, El Kahir Shrine, Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, Royal Order of Jesters, Royal Order of Scotland and National Sojourners Club. He was a 33rd Degree Mason and was elected as Illustrious Potentate of El Kahir Shrine in 1975. Also, he served as Imperial Potentate of International Shrine in 1986, the only veterinarian ever to hold that office.

Strong in his faith, when his family moved to Cedar Rapids, they joined St. Mark's Lutheran Church. He served on the church council for five years, and as its president for a year. Also a lover of Iowa State athletics, he was a member of the Athletic Council for six years. He played an active role in obtaining Head Football Coach Johnny Majors for ISU. He was the only veterinarian to ever be chosen as Cy's Favorite Alum, which he was honored with in 1963. A lover of the outdoors, he was an avid gardener and could be frequently found at Coralville Lake boating and water-skiing. He also enjoyed playing cards, belonging to numerous bridge clubs and a poker group. In his spare time, he also enjoyed music, playing in the Shrine Sheik Band as bass guitarist. He was a life member of the Tuesday Noon Cedar Rapids Optimist Club, VFW and American Legion.

Dr. Anthony was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Eleanor Krivacek, Gladys Anthony, Clifford Anthony, Edward Anthony and Orville Anthony; and his brother-in-law, Rudy Krivacek.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Shirley (Foster) Anthony; his children, Capt. Mark (Margie) Anthony, Ross Anthony and Donna (Michael) Puk; and his eight grandchildren.

The visitation will be Friday, Jan. 13, at 10 a.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Marion. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., with military honors following.

As a lifelong Mason, there will be a Masonic service at St. Mark's on Jan. 13 at 9:30 a.m. in the Beacon room.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dr. Anthony's name may be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Church or Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Online condolences may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.