Bell, Russell Joseph

Russell Joseph Bell, 72, of rural Kalona, courageously ended his battle with cancer Saturday, May 8, 2010, at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 11, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Sharon Center United Methodist Church (2804 520th St. SW, Sharon Center).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Russell's memory to Iowa City Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the Web at

Russell was born April 27, 1938, in Iowa City, the son of Marjorie (Runyan) and Carl Bell. In 1953, he met the love of his life, Bonnie M. Frederick, at New Process Laundry, where they both worked. Russell and Bonnie were married on June 11, 1955, and walked through life together with grace and love for 54 years. In 1975, Russell and Bonnie moved from Coralville to their acreage, “Rainbow Ridge” near Kalona, fulfilling a dream they had shared for many years.

Russell loved being a Cub Scout master of Pack 207 in Coralville through the 1960s as he helped give back what the Boy Scouts of American had contributed to his own boyhood. Russell was a Master Plumber and operated Lindsay Water Co., the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union and retired from Mulford Plumbing and Heating in 2000. Russell had also established RJ Bell Plumbing and Heating and continued to service his loyal customers beyond his retirement from Mulfords. He worked with integrity and honesty and stood by his belief, “if it is worth doing, it is worth doing it right.” Russell also had a passion for making knives and leather goods for his family and friends, which carried him through the rough times in his struggle with cancer. He created works of love and art for his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and for his beloved wife, Bonnie.

Russell's grace, honor, and love for his family lives on with his wife, Bonnie; their children, Michael Bell (Vikki) of Coralville, Julie Bell of North Liberty, Jeffrey Bell (Debby) of West Liberty, James Bell of North English and Scott Bell (Marcey) of Lineville. He is also loved by his grandchildren, Joshua (Colleen), Brady, Jared, Andrea, Jim, Amber, Nathan, Mackenzie and Ryan; and two great-grandchildren, Becca and Caitlyn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, Clarence Hestness; sisters, Loretta Graham, Doris Jackson and Kaye Bell; brother, Carl Bell; and grandchildren, Justin and Taylor.