Russell Roske
Russell Roske, age 66 of Donnelly, Minnesota, passed away Monday, September 28, 2026, unexpectedly from a medical event.
Visitation for Russell Roske will be held Monday, October 5, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, MN.
Memorial services for Russell Roske will be at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, MN.
Russell “Russ” Roske was born on October 19th 1959 in Alexandria MN to parents Walter and Greta (Kruize) Roske. Russ was the second youngest of 6. He grew up on the family farm near Ellingson Lake outside of Hoffman, Minnesota enjoying his younger years. The family eventually moved to town when he was a young teen.
He graduated from Hoffman High School in 1978 where he was active in sports, particularly basketball and 4-H. After High School he attended college at Hennepin Technical Institute for a short time, obtaining multiple certificates for his field of work before entering the workforce.
Russ had three children, Alisha, Tyler and Carrie. He was active in teaching and coaching his kids throughout their years of sports, and was always in attendance at their games and events. He was the influence that passed on a high level of competitiveness to them. As young kids many weekends were spent outdoors camping, fishing, and enjoying the water.
He was a long-time employee of Kleespie Tank/Westmor Industries, where he retired in 2025 after 30 years of employment. He spent many years welding and operating the burn table.
Russ was a long-time member of the Donnelly Rod & Gun Club, joining the board in 2013. In his recent years with the club, he was serving as president. He enjoyed his time serving and volunteering with the club, helping to maintain their properties, and organize and run events.
Russ was also an avid outdoorsman. He spent much of his time hunting and fishing, particularly pheasant and deer hunting. In recent years he was able to experience hunting out west including elk, antelope, and mule deer. Many years and memories surround the pheasant opener in South Dakota with family and good friends. He also enjoyed his trips to Lake of The Woods fishing twice a year. His love for the outdoors was instilled in his children and continues on in their life.
Russ’s grandchildren were his pride and joy. He had ten grandchildren who he spent most of his weekends with. He would “make his rounds” visiting each family. He never missed an activity or event for his grandkids.
Russ is survived by his children: Alisha (Kody) Livengood, Tyler (Laura) Roske, and Carrie (Nick) Schmidt all of Morris, MN; ten grandchildren: Mallory, Sadie, Luke, and Cole Livengood, Payton, Keegan, and Rylee Roske, Harlow, Huxley, and Henley Schmidt; four siblings: Carol (Maurie) Wohlers of Breezy Point MN, David (Nancy) Roske of Garrison, MN, Diane McKenzie of Alexandria, MN, and Gwen (Russ) Hallenbeck of Blaine, MN; and one brother-in-law: Leo Willhite of Rapid City, SD.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Walter and Greta Roske; one sister: Charlene Willhite; and one brother-in-law: John McKenzie.
Arrangements are with Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, MN.
