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Ehrman, Russell Wayne
Russell Wayne Ehrman, 66, of South Amana, died Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, at his home from complications of Bulbar ALS. Graveside Services: 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 27, South Amana Cemetery, South Amana, Iowa, with Elder John Childers officiating. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo.
Memorials may be contributed to Essence of Life Hospice, the ALS Association or the charity of the donor's choice.
Russell is survived by his wife, Rachel; his children, Dustin Ehrman (Tracy) of Cedar Rapids, Molly Kephart (Robert) of South Amana and Erin Schaefer (Joel) of Sherwood, Ore.; eight grandchildren, Wilhelmine and Edgar Kephart, Aliese, Jack and Heidi Schaefer and Ashli, Brandon and Colton Spicer; and two great-grandchildren, Lillianna and Kellan Spicer.
Also surviving are his parents, Harry and Katy Leichsenring Ehrman of Middle Amana; and a sister. Pamela Daws (William) of Burlington.
Russell Wayne Ehrman was born June 21, 1947, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Harry Edgar Ehrman and Katy Marie Leichsenring Ehrman. He graduated from Amana High School in 1965. He attended the Universal Trades School in Omaha, Neb., and received a degree in Automobile Mechanics. He entered the U.S. Army and served for two years, stationed in Italy. Russell married Rachel Marie Uhlmann on May 1, 1971, in Williamsburg, Iowa.
Russell was employed as a mechanic, a loom technician and also was a rural letter carrier in Aurelia and Fairbank, Iowa. He served on the South Amana Fire Department for many years and was a member of the Homestead Area Minneapolis Moline Collectors Club. He restored Minneapolis-Moline and Massey Ferguson tractors and also collected Hamm's Beer memorabilia. While in Aurelia, he enjoyed many winning seasons as a pit crew member for Baumann Racing. Russell was an avid reader especially of railroad history. He also was an excellent horseshoe pitcher. When looking for a quiet moment, Russ found much solace in the woods and at the river.
The family of Russ would like to extend a special thanks to Essence of Life Hospice in Amana. They were the perfect resource for us during this difficult time. We thank them for their excellent care and assistance.
Online condolences may be extended to the family at .
Published in The Gazette Dec. 24, 2013.
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