Born March 22, 1929 in Alexander, North Dakota, to Lydia and Emanuel Heier, he and his sibling stepped up at an early age to help their mother after losing dad to a railroad accident. Papa loved to share stories of his first job dipping maple bars in a bakery and then moving on as a teenager to work for the railroad with his brother, Don. In Dec. 1977, Russell married Emma Lee Avery and again stepped up taking the role as dad and grandpa. After retiring from the rairoad in 1987, he spent many years enjoying visits with friends, rooting against the Cubs and caring for his lawn.
After losing Emma in 2000, Papa was deeply saddended and feeling alone. June introduced him to the family at Friendship Baptist Church where he came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and spent his remaining years making new friends and loyal to the church. He looked forward to being there every time the doors were open always brightened someone's day with a smile and firm handshake.
Russell is survived by his children June McConnell, Prosser, WA., Stephen Brown of Tacoma, Paula (Ron) Bantam of Federal Way, Steven Anacone of Missouri and Millie Wilcox of Auburn WA; --his sister Sadie DeFoer; and sister-in-law Jean Heier.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, wife Emma, sisters Edna McConnell and Donna Heir, Brother Don Heier, son-in-law Dan Wilcox---
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 11 at Friendship Baptist Church.
Papa always said upon parting, "I'm sure glad you got to see me today." Papa, we're gonna miss your gentle smile, laughs, funny sotries and getting to see you everyday.
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After losing Emma in 2000, Papa was deeply saddended and feeling alone. June introduced him to the family at Friendship Baptist Church where he came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and spent his remaining years making new friends and loyal to the church. He looked forward to being there every time the doors were open always brightened someone's day with a smile and firm handshake.
Russell is survived by his children June McConnell, Prosser, WA., Stephen Brown of Tacoma, Paula (Ron) Bantam of Federal Way, Steven Anacone of Missouri and Millie Wilcox of Auburn WA; --his sister Sadie DeFoer; and sister-in-law Jean Heier.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, wife Emma, sisters Edna McConnell and Donna Heir, Brother Don Heier, son-in-law Dan Wilcox---
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 11 at Friendship Baptist Church.
Papa always said upon parting, "I'm sure glad you got to see me today." Papa, we're gonna miss your gentle smile, laughs, funny sotries and getting to see you everyday.
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Born March 22, 1929 in Alexander, North Dakota, to Lydia and Emanuel Heier, he and his sibling stepped up at an early age to help their mother after losing dad to a railroad accident. Papa loved to share stories of his first job dipping maple bars in a bakery and then moving on as a teenager to work for the railroad with his brother, Don. In Dec. 1977, Russell married Emma Lee Avery and again stepped up taking the role as dad and grandpa. After retiring from the rairoad in 1987, he spent many years enjoying visits with friends, rooting against the Cubs and caring for his lawn.
After losing Emma in 2000, Papa was deeply saddended and feeling alone. June introduced him to the family at Friendship Baptist Church where he came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and spent his remaining years making new friends and loyal to the church. He looked forward to being there every time the doors were open always brightened someone's day with a smile and firm handshake.
Russell is survived by his children June McConnell, Prosser, WA., Stephen Brown of Tacoma, Paula (Ron) Bantam of Federal Way, Steven Anacone of Missouri and Millie Wilcox of Auburn WA; --his sister Sadie DeFoer; and sister-in-law Jean Heier.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, wife Emma, sisters Edna McConnell and Donna Heir, Brother Don Heier, son-in-law Dan Wilcox---
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 11 at Friendship Baptist Church.
Papa always said upon parting, "I'm sure glad you got to see me today." Papa, we're gonna miss your gentle smile, laughs, funny sotries and getting to see you everyday.
-------------------------
After losing Emma in 2000, Papa was deeply saddended and feeling alone. June introduced him to the family at Friendship Baptist Church where he came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and spent his remaining years making new friends and loyal to the church. He looked forward to being there every time the doors were open always brightened someone's day with a smile and firm handshake.
Russell is survived by his children June McConnell, Prosser, WA., Stephen Brown of Tacoma, Paula (Ron) Bantam of Federal Way, Steven Anacone of Missouri and Millie Wilcox of Auburn WA; --his sister Sadie DeFoer; and sister-in-law Jean Heier.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, wife Emma, sisters Edna McConnell and Donna Heir, Brother Don Heier, son-in-law Dan Wilcox---
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 11 at Friendship Baptist Church.
Papa always said upon parting, "I'm sure glad you got to see me today." Papa, we're gonna miss your gentle smile, laughs, funny sotries and getting to see you everyday.
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