Russell John Riesenberg

Russell “Russ” John Riesenberg, age 82, passed away at his home in Great Falls, on August 24, 2021. Russ was born on January 13, 1939, in Clintonville, Wisconsin. He was a 1957 graduate of Marion High School in Marion, Wisconsin. After graduating high school, Russ worked as a meat cutter at a local grocery store and at a cheese factory. He enlisted in the army in 1962 and served for two years as a medic, one of which was served in Korea. Russ began working at Utility Tool & Body Company in Clintonville, Wisconsin as a welding fabricator and he continued there until he moved to Montana in 1981. After moving to Montana, he worked as a welder for a few years. In 1984, he went to work for Federal Express as a courier. In 1997, Russ retired from FedEx due to health issues with rheumatoid arthritis. In 1964, Russ married Mary Papendorf and together they had three daughters, Lori Lynn, Sheila Sue, and Fonda Faye. Due to complications with cancer, Mary passed away in 1980, leaving Russ and their three girls behind. Through relatives Russ met Judy Rude, a widow who was living in Great Falls. She had two small children, Jason Oliver and Jeana Kay. They began corresponding with one another and married in 1981, combining their two families together in Montana. He is survived by his wife, Judy (Rude) Riesenberg; five children, Lori (Murray) Westover of Edmonton, Alberta, Sheila Riesenberg of Great Falls, Fonda (Mike) Andre of Great Falls, Jason (Mona) Rude, of Toronto, Ontario, and Jeana Rude of Phoenix, Arizona; six grandchildren, Danielle Riesenberg (fiancé Kevin Tuttle), Connor Miller, Alexis André, Hanna Rude, Owen Rude, and Natalie Rude; four great-grandchildren, Chloe Bergstrom, Kimber Green, Wyatt Green and Madison Tuttle; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elsie Riesenberg and first wife, Mary (Papendorf) Riesenberg. Russ made his choice to serve God in 1958 and had an unwavering faith. He valued spending time and visiting with his ministers at meetings and in his home. He loved listening to old music, especially, Country Western, snowmobiling, motorcycling, jet skiing, and playing his accordion. He was mechanically inclined, could fix anything, and cherished his many furry friends throughout the years. Russ’s death leaves a deep sorrow. He was greatly loved and will be forever missed. A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at O’Connor Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow with military honors at Highland Cemetery.