Blaine, Russell K.

Russell K. Blaine, 94, passed away peacefully at his home on April 26, 2011. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 4, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m.

Russell was born Aug. 10, 1916, in Cedar Rapids to John and Etta (Regnat) Blaine. Russell was raised in Cedar Rapids, the oldest of five children. He graduated from Grant High School and Coe College. Russell received his bachelor's degree in chemistry with Cum Laude honors in 1937. After college, Russell worked for Taylor Instrument Co. in Rochester, N.Y., and Hiram Walker in Peoria, Ill., for 23 years as a chemical engineer. He then returned to Cedar Rapids to teach chemistry at Regis High School for 14 years, retiring in 1976. Russell enjoyed his years of teaching and often reminisced about his experiences with students.

Russell was an avid rail traveler and was involved in efforts to bring passenger railroad service back to Cedar Rapids.

Russell was a member of the American Chemical Society since 1939 and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers since 1958. He served as chairman of the Senior Bureau of the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, 1983-1992.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Blaine; and sisters, Margaret McDowell, Arlene Blaine and Jeanette Blaine.

Russell is survived by nephews, John (Eva) Blaine of Westerville, Ohio, Paul (Holly) Blaine of Findlay, Ohio, Steven McDowell of Hazel Crest, Ill., and Larry (Jane) McDowell of Des Moines; nieces, Gloria (John) Sodt of Bellingham, Wash., Katherine (Ken Lerner) McDowell of Portland, Ore., and Elizabeth (Rolf Pepple) McDowell of Palm City, Fla.; eight grandnephews and 14 grandnieces; and three great-grandnephews and great-grandnieces.

The family would like to thank the staff of Recover Health for the wonderful care of Russell the past several years.