Tom Russell
June 20, 2012
Tom Russell, 47, passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2012, at Taylor House Hospice.
Tom was born July 28, 1964, in Des Moines. He graduated from Urbandale High School class of 1982, where he participated in swimming and football. He was a foreman for Jensen Builders, Ltd., and in all of his experience pouring concrete he remained a perfectionist. Tom had an incredible work ethic, his motto was “work hard or go home.” He had a very strong Christian faith and was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Tom was a loving son, husband and daddy. He was very involved in his daughters’ activities, from participating in Girl Scout events to helping with dance recitals. Tom will be remembered for his kind heart and willingness to help others. He was proud of his right to bear arms and loved the outdoors, camping, traveling and the Iowa State Fair.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Beverly; daughters, Jessica and Danielle; parents, Gale and Gayla Russell; and his siblings, Mark Russell, Susan (Floyd) Spoerry, Ellen (Dan) Eagen, and Ruth (Scott Geer) Browning; his aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces; and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at Grace Lutheran Church, 3010 52nd Street, followed by burial at Pine Hill Cemetery. Visitation with Tom’s body present will be held from 4-8 p.m. Monday, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.
Please direct memorial contributions to the family for the college education of Jessica and Danielle and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Methodist Medical Center, Medical Oncology, Dr. Buroker, Michelle and Pat, and the Taylor Hospice House.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Colleen Lindstrom/Meakins
07/09/2012
My sincerest condolences. I knew Tom from swimming days in Urbandale.
Stephanie
06/27/2012
I read the obituary in the Sunday paper and started to cry. I lost my husband Ron of 17 years and my three girls dad in March of this year. He was also born in 1964 as was Tom. It is my hope and prayer that you are comforted by the memories and knowing he is with the Lord. Maybe they are talking together right now too. God bless you all.
Brock
06/26/2012
Beverly, Sorry to hear about the loss of tom i totally enjoyed his presents in a room great person. Love and prayers to your family.
Sharlyn Hulling
06/26/2012
Beverly, Jessica and Danielle~ I am deeply saddened that we have to say goodbye to Tom and for the loss to your family. Tom will be remembered by me as the smiling "super Dad" to his girls at dance recitals and Nutcracker performances. He loved you all so much, and was a great example of dedication and devotion. You are in my prayers that the Holy Spirit will comfort you all when there are no adequate words on earth. Love to your family.
Marcy Yaske
06/25/2012
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Tom. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I hope you find peace and comfort in your family and friends.
Trisha Romig
06/25/2012
Beverly, I am sorry to hear about the loss of Tom. I remember him with your family when I would hang out with Jennifer. Jennifer just notified we a couple of weeks ago to keep your family in my prayers. I pray that Tom and your brother are "living it up" in heaven and that with each passing day, the pain will not hurt so much for all of you. Your entire family is in my prayers now and in the coming months. You are in my thoughts!
Sara Hefflefinger
06/25/2012
I just wanted to let you that I am thinking about you in your time of loss. I hope you find comfort in your family and friends during this time of sadness. May God fill you with calmness, love, and understanding.
Alice/John Betten
06/25/2012
Just to let you know that folks back home care. Sending our love and prayers for you in the days to come. May God fill your hearts with the strength you need and may you hold on to God's promises.
Holly Jepsen
06/25/2012
Beverly, so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts.
Sue Pryor
06/25/2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Donna Glenn
06/25/2012
Beverly,
Tom certainly did fight the good fight for a long time. I will always remember Tom's upbeat attitude and orneriness when he came in the office, he always had a smile on his face and you could always tell how much he loved Beverly, what a blessing to have that kind of love to cherish, alot of people never get that opportunity in their lifetime. It's always hard to let them go but he is in good hands and no more suffering now with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!! Love and prayers to you and the girls!!!
Deb Riese
06/25/2012
Beverly~
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband! You, your daughters and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. May you take comfort in knowing he is in God's arms now and he is safe and at peace.
Cherie Rissman
06/24/2012
I feel I had the pleasure of knowing Tom in high school, however, to become reacquainted years later at Grace Lutheran was very special. It was then I knew Tom as a husband, father and brother in Christ.
I received joy watching Tom and Beverly joking together and laughing together in their fun, loving ways. It also was endearing to watch Tom with his girls. Even as they grew they never out grew their daddy's lap.
An amazing man and his amazing family.
Beverly, Jessica and Danielle, may God's peace, strength, comfort, and love sustain you all.
Love,
Cherie Rissman
Becky Scholes
06/24/2012
Beverly,
I was so saddened to see Tom's obit in the paper. He fought the good fight with his illness for many years, and finally God said "it's time, Tom - job well done" Blessings on you and the girls as you all grieve the loss of a marvelous person in your life.
Toni Sly
06/23/2012
This poem has helped many children & adults cope with the death of their loved one.
I hope it also provides additional comfort , peace and hope to Tom's loved ones.
To Those I Love
&
Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears
Be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness
I thank you for the love you each have shown
But now it's time I travelled on alone.
So grieve a while for me if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
It's only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call me and I will come
Though you can't see me or touch me I'll be near
All of my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone
I'll greet you with a smile and say
"Welcome Home"