VanHorn, Russell Leon Jr.

Russell L. VanHorn Jr., 23, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, in St. Petersburg, Fla., following an accident. Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Burial will be held following the service at Cedar Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Left to honor Russell's memory is his mother, Tracy Flaucher of Cedar Rapids; his father, Russell VanHorn Sr. of Hills; two brothers, Justin Warnke and Travis Warnke, both of Cedar Rapids; one sister, Megan Warnke of Cedar Rapids; a grandmother, Pam Waddington of Cedar Rapids; an uncle, Dennis Bates of Texas; great-grandparents, Wanda (Bernard) Scott of Cedar Rapids; and many uncles, aunts and cousins.

Russell L. VanHorn Jr. was born on April 5, 1988, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Russell VanHorn Sr. and Tracy Flaucher. Russell graduated early from Jefferson High School to enlist in the Marines. During his four years, he served his country proudly with tours in Iraq, Japan, Philippines, Australia and Thailand. It was during his tour to Japan he discovered his passion for scuba diving. He was a dive instructor in St. Petersburg, Fla., who was on his way to becoming a dive master instructor. He especially loved cave diving and teaching others how to scuba dive.

Russell was an outstanding young man who had a passion for life, was great teacher, soldier who served his country, an outstanding son, brother, grandson and friend. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be directed to the family through Guaranty Bank.

Online condolences may be left by visiting under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Sept. 14, 2011.