William "Jack" Russell

William T. Jack Russell, 89, passed away from natural causes on May 3, 2016 after a short stay at Peace Hospice.Visitation 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, May 15, 2016 at Schnider Funeral Home. A funeral service is planned for 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 16, 2016 at Crossroads Memorial Church, 1700 Marketplace Drive. A graveside service is 2:00 p.m. at Highland Cemetery.Jack was born November 12, 1926 in Helena, Montana. He lived his early years with his grandmother, Lena Nelson, and several uncles on the family homestead and farm near Dutton. He later moved to Great Falls and attended schools there before joining the Merchant Marine near the end of World II.Following his tour of duty, Jack returned to Montana to help on the family farm. Jack married Deloris Michich in Great Falls on October 24, 1948. After they were married, Jack and Deloris moved to Chicago, where he received additional education in welding and mechanics.During their time in Chicago, Jack and Deloris put their trust in Jesus after meeting two young men working on the same assembly-line. They attended Moody Church while in Chicago. His commitment to others and his Christian faith guided him throughout his life.Following his training, Jack returned to farm, and bought his first parcel of land near Wolf Coulee north of Great Falls. The early years on the farm were tough, but with Deloris help, he continued to increase the size of the farm. Having five children provided a steady stream of labor. In 1969, with the passing of Jacks Uncle Bill much of the farmland was consolidated, and God blessed Jack and Deloris tremendously in the 1970s with an additional lease and high grain prices.Jack and Deloris had five children, Linda, Gary, Suzanne, Jay, and Brice. Suzanne passed away in 1986 after a lengthy illness. Jacks family and church were the focal point of his life, and they attended Grace Baptist Church for more than 30 years. He was a founding member of Valley Community Bible Church in 1983.Jack farmed all his life, until his retirement in 1992, when son Gary took over the family farm. Deloris passed away in 2000, and Jack later married long-time family friend Marion Nelson in 2002. Jack and Deloris were close friends with Marion and her husband Keith, and their five boys. With Jacks marriage to Marion, these dear friends became family.Jack is survived by his wife Marion; children Linda (David) Stirling of Great Falls, Gary (Janis) Russell of Hudson, FL, Jay (Renee) Russell of Great Falls, and Brice (Denise) Russell of Naples, FL; grandchildren Heidi Russell, Jeremy (Treencee) Russell, Kathy (Lawrence) Ayers, Jerry (Jamie) Russell, Megan (Aaron) Sybrant, Rebekka, Madison, Ethan, Paige, and Devon Russell; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Deloris and daughter Suzanne Skov.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Great Falls Rescue Mission or Trinity International Ministry.