Leonard "Len" Franklin Russell

Leonard “Len” Franklin Russell, age 80, of Janesville, Minnesota, died on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Oaklawn Rehabilitation Center in Mankato, Minnesota. 

Born on May 15, 1943, in Sutherland, Nebraska, he was the son of Frank and Mary (Goodwin) Russell. He grew up in Wallace, Nebraska. In 1964, Len enlisted into the United States Army where he served during the Vietnam War being honorably discharged in 1970. Len was united in marriage to Teresa Kechley on December 31, 1967. To this union two daughters were born. Together they raised their family in the Nebraska and Denver, Colorado area. 

Later in life Len and Teresa lived in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and worked as shuttle drivers for several years. They also had many adventures in their 5^th wheel, traveling to California to manage a Christmas Tree and Pumpkin Farm along with working as gate keepers in the oil fields of Texas. Following the unexpected passing of his wife in 2019, Len moved to Texas where he continued to work as a gatekeeper in the oil fields until moving to Janesville, Minnesota in July of 2023 to be closer to family. 

In his younger years and while raising his family, Len enjoyed fishing at Lake McConaughy and houseboating on Lake Powell. He could make friends where ever his adventures led him. Above all else he adored his grandchildren. 

Len is survived by his daughters, Nicole (John) Piret of Steamboat Springs, CO, and Melissa (Steve) Mayo of Janesville, MN; grandchildren: Alex Mayo and Ella and Gracie Piret. He is also survived by his brother, Ken Russell of Wisconsin; sister, Cindy Laubner of Nebraska; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; sisters, Yvonne and June; and brother, Lee. 

Len will be laid to rest at Morning View Cemetery in Wallace, Nebraska.