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Russell B. Knight
Russell B. Knight
Iowa City
Russell B. Knight, 102, died peacefully at the Crestview Care center in West Branch, Iowa, on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022.
Russell was born Aug. 27, 1920, in Adel, Iowa, the son of Mearl and Laura (Oelmann) Knight. Growing up in Ackley, Iowa, he graduated from Ackley High School. Russ enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He flew 31 missions successfully in a B24 Bomber and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross medal for his missions. On Jan. 14, 1945, Russell was united in marriage to Dorothy E. “Betty” Swanson at the Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Ill. The couple resided in Ackley, Iowa, until moving to Iowa City in 1958 when Russell began a long career with the University of Iowa in the General Stores Department, retiring as manager in 1985.
Russell had a strong, lifelong commitment to his faith and his love of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church reflected this. He had a passion for gardening which was passed down to him by his mother and was a devoted fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and his beloved “Cubbies,” the Chicago Cubs. But nothing was more important or dear to him than the love he had for his wife, Betty and their family.
Russ is survived by his children, Beverly Knight of Hinesburg, Vt., Martin Knight of Las Vegas, Nev., William (Karen) Knight of Iowa City and Jacquelyn (Christopher) Robinson of Portland, Ore.; three grandchildren, Robert Knight, Kristin (Andrew) Lawson and Scott (Ashlie) Knight; and four great-grandchildren, Jack, Emma, and William Lawson and Remington Knight; and sisters, Kathryn Stock, Lorna (Kenneth) Muller and Myrna (Alvin) Baird.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; daughter-in-law, Barbara Knight; sister, Irene Marquart; and brother-in-laws, Paul Marquart and Bill Stock.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on a date to be determined. Donations may be made in Russell’s memory to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Iowa City or Iowa City Hospice. To share a thought, memory or condolence, please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website at www.gayandciha.com.
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