Meeks, Russell Allen

Russell Allen Meeks, 81, of Fairfax, died Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, at his home. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, with burial to follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW, where there will be a 5 p.m. vigil.

Russell was born Dec. 3, 1929, in Anamosa, the son of Leslie and Mildred Meeks. He married Maxine Voss on Nov. 26, 1983. Russ worked for FMC Linkbelt Speeder and Kinze Manufacturing for 22 years. He grew up in Anamosa and farmed in the Springville and Mechanicsville area most of his life. Russ had a passion for horses, going to farm sales and being involved in all aspects of farming. He was a member of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M., Lodge No. 6 in Marion, Marion Chapter No. 10, Royal Arch Masons, Elks Lodge and St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Russ is survived by his wife, Maxine Meeks of Fairfax; brother, Jim Meeks of Oberly, Mo.; sister; Velma Meeks of Kansas City, Mo.; his children, Lela Kratz of Walterburrow, S.C., Dr. Rita Meeks of Mount Airy, N.C., and Rory Meeks of Springville; stepchildren, Larry (Gail) Voss of Rockford, Ill., Theresa (Brad) Borgstede of Colleyville, Texas, and Caroline (Dave) Kemper of Cedar Rapids; and 15 grandchildren.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Gary Meeks; and a daughter, Nola Mason Meeks.

A memorial fund has been established in his name.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at