Bernard Russ 09/15/2011

Bernard D Russ, age 92 of Florence, AZ and formerly of River Falls, WI, died Thursday, September 15, 2011 at the American Heritage Care Center in Hammond.  Bernard was born the son of Melvin and Winnie (Ward) Russ in Red Wing, MN.  He grew up in Beldenville, WI and attended Ellsworth High School.  Bernard served in the Marines during WWII in the South Pacific.  After returning from service, he became a bartender in downtown River Falls.  Bernard was married to Winnifred “Winnie” Osen in 1949 and the two owned and operated Osen’s Bar, now Mel’s, in downtown River Falls or many years.  Bernard and Winnie started going south to Arizona during the winters, and also enjoyed a cabin in Canada in the summer.  Bernard sold his home in River Falls in 2003 and stayed year around in Arizona until moving back to Hammond this past year.  He was a strong willed, private person.  He kept a meticulous car and boat and loved his German Shepherds.  Bernard loved to fish, especially in Canada, but didn’t allow Northerns in his boat.  He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Winnie Russ; sisters, Mildred Pfluger and Leola Russ; brother, Willard Russ; and special friend, Sarah Miller.  He is survived by step-daughter, Judy Pariseau; step-grandsons, Shane and Chad Pariseau; brother-in-law, Bill Pfluger; nephew, Bill (Cynthia) Pfluger; niece, Trudy (Steve) Achterhof; and grand nieces and nephews.  A Funeral Service was held on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 11 am at the Bakken-Young Funeral Home in River Falls.  Visitation was also Monday from 10-11 am at the funeral home.  Interment was in the Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls.  Arrangements were with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls.