Russell D. Altes

Russell Delbert Altes crossed the River Jordan to enter into his Eternal Home on February 13th, 2017 in Des Moines, IA at the age of 74.

Russell was born on July 21st, 1942 at home in Mingo, IA to Wendell and Dorothy (Mills) Altes. As a youth Russell assisted his father on the family farm in Runnells, IA with the daily chores and yearly crops. He graduated from Runnells High School in 1960 and proceeded to continue his education at Central College in Pella. He met Bonnie (Moon) in Sunday School at church and the couple was married shortly thereafter on March 12, 1966. Russell was drafted into the Army in 1966 and took his basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri. After a stop at Ft. Lee in Virginia, he was then stationed at Ft. Bragg in North Carolina. Having completing several active duty assignments with distinction the couple returned to the Runnells area in 1970. They were able to buy some land and build their own home in the countryside in 1974. Over the next few years, the couple welcomed two children into their home, Jonathan and Benjamin who quickly became the pride and joy of his life. After working the farm with his father Russell “headed to town” to begin the Des Moines Ford Tractor dealership. Russell, true to his nature, forged many long lasting relationships over his 20 years there. He also spent time in his career as an auctioneer and as an Administrator for Polk County General Services. After retiring in 2007 he enjoyed several vacations, attending and watching Iowa State Cyclone athletics, spending time with his grandchildren, and morning coffee on his back porch with Bonnie. The couple celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2016 at the Ivy Centennial Methodist Church where they were members.

Russell was very active in philanthropic organizations including the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Za-Ga-Zig Shrine and Eastern Star. He was honored to serve as the Worthy Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Iowa in 2006 and the Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Iowa 2016. He and Bonnie travelled many miles together during this time and forged friendships all across the state. Over the years his love for these organizations persisted and he cherished the lasting memories that were created.

Russell had a nature about him to be able to positively touch the life of everyone he encountered. He always sought out and enjoyed fellowship with family and friends and reached out to those in need. His family will remember him as a dedicated husband and father who set a constant example of faith in God and always emphasized the importance of family, education and respect for others in their lives. A true patriot at heart, Russell always held those in past and present United States military service in the highest regard.

Russell is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children, Jonathan (Kelly) of Norwalk and Benjamin of Altoona; sister, Marlene (Roger) Griffith of Cambridge; grandchildren Alexander, Anthony and Andersen. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Wendell and Dorothy.

Services will be held at Oakwood United Methodist Church, 400 NE 56th Street, Pleasant Hill, IA. The family will receive visitors from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., with an Order of the Eastern Star service at 6:00 p.m., on Thursday February 16th. A funeral is scheduled for Friday February 17th at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Lowman Cemetery in Runnells with a reception to follow at his home church of Ivy Centennial in Altoona.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Ivy Centennial Methodist Church Memorial Fund. Condolences can be sent to www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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