Russell Conrad Watterberg was born as Sunday morning church bells rang on November 27, 1927 in Parshall, North Dakota. He was at home in Ocean Park, surrounded by family, when he was ushered into the presence of his Savior and Lord on July 15, 2009. Russell completed his first four years of schooling in a one-room schoolhouse on the North Dakota plains before moving to Oregon with his family at the age of ten. After a few years in the Eugene area, the family moved to Brush Prairie, Washington where he completed his schooling, graduating from Battle Ground High School. After serving in the Merchant Marines and a tour of duty in Korea with the Army, Russ returned home where he met and married Myrtle Goldman in 1950. In 1952, he graduated from Powellhurst Bible College and moved his wife and son to Ilwaco, WA in anser to God's call to begin a church in the area. Seaview Baptist Church (now Grace Family Fellowship) soon came into being with many lives in the area being affected for Christ over his 25 years of ministry there. During the early years, Russ worked for the Campbell Logging Company and then his own "Sand Man" trucking business to support his growing family. In 1959, Russ was asked to be the camp manager of the new Lily Dell Dune (now Dunes Bible Camp), and for the past 50 years he felt it a privilege to dedicate his life to glorifying God as the General Director of this youth camp ministry.
Russell is survived by his wife of 59 years, Myrtle, sons Time of Klamath Falls, OR., Steve (Elizabeth) of Klamath Falls, OR., and daughters Linda (Steve) Holmes of Ocean Park, WA and Beth Sexton of Ocean Park, WA. He is also survived by his sister Myra (Duane) Gilchrist of Beaverton, OR., and brother Lance (Jeanne) of Woodburn, OR. His parents, Conrad and Edna (Kibby) are rejoicing with him in heaven.
Russ was proud to be called "grandpa" by 13 grandchildren. He will be missed greatly by his family and friends. His quick wit, wonderful stories, amazing memory, and ability to put anyone at ease will always be remembered. And we celebrate his awesome reunion with the Savior that he loved and served throughout his life.