Russell Duane Dent
June 23, 2020
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Service Details
Russell Duane Dent, 91, passed away at his home on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with visitation on Monday evening, June 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. and the funeral service on Tuesday, June 30 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens on Wednesday, July 1 at 10:00 a.m.
Russell was born on September 14, 1928 in West Des Moines to Ida (Rush) and Orvis Dent. He graduated from East High School and served in the US Army during WWII and Korea. He attended Drake University night school where he earned 5 professional designations. Russell worked in the insurance industry for 45 years and retired from Farm Bureau after 34 years of service.
Always one to be active and involved, Russell belonged to the Gnemeth Lodge 577 in West Des Moines, Scottish Rite, and Za-Ga-Zig Shriners. He was also very involved with Junior Achievement and was a member of West Des Moines United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his children, Darla Brandsfield and Michael (Paula) Dent; grandchildren, Aaron (Karri) Brandsfield, Nina (Jason) Graham, Josh (Liz) Dent, Jake Dent and Mackenzie Dent; great-grandchildren, Courtney, Kiley, Mykaela, Evelyn and Ella; nephew, Dennis (Cheryl) Dent; and special friend, Bev Woodell. Russell was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; and brother, George Dent.
Memorials may be directed to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Condolences at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Bob & Pat Cameron
06/30/2020
We met Russ through ballroom dancing at Lake Robbins. We enjoyed his wit and wisdom and will miss him greatly.
Our condolences
Tom Fergus
06/29/2020
Russ was always fun to be around. He was involved with many amateur radio activities over the years. He had a calm, steady response to the many situations encountered. At the Dam-to-Dam race, he would ride his bike to assist runners on the part of the race course on the bike path. I enjoyed working with Russ at the State Emergency Operation Center running the FEMA radio for the Dept of Homeland Security. Again always there, calm, cool and collected. Miss you Russ. Tom KØQXT
Tom Gibson
06/29/2020
Russ and I worked together for over 30 years at Farm Bureau. In charge of life insurance underwriting and claims (and many other responsibilities) he had a tremendous impact of the company's profitability. At the time of his retirement we had one of the lowest loss ratios in the country. More impressive though was his impact on training thousands of our agents the importance of accurate risk selection, honesty, integrity, and just always doing the right thing. He was a teacher, a great communicator, motivator and a positive inspiration to all. I, personally, learned so much from this man. May God bless you Russ Dent and be with Darla and Mike and all those who love you.
Larry & Missy Stock
06/29/2020
Uncle Russ was such a sweet friendly man. He will be deeply missed. Sending hugs and prayers to his whole family.
Ruth Glick
06/29/2020
Russ was a wonderful person. I met Russ through the running group. I always looked forward to Saturday mornings. He knew how to keep me running at the right pace to get the job done. Breakfast after the run was such a good time to talk. Russ and Mo were the best people, who helped me through some bad times.
I will miss them.
Bruce Graves
06/28/2020
Russ was a special friend over the entire forty years I knew him. We first met early one Saturday morning as part of a group of athletic wannabees called RunTogether. Older by just over 10 years, his running history inspired me and I always wished I could be as healthy when I reached his age. Years later, I was surprised to learn that he had gotten into Amateur Radio, for I had been a ham for several decades. He told me the story of how he had been a young radio operator in World War II and carried a 30-lb. communications radio back on his back while moving around with the troops at the front. In his 80s, he jumped into the new world of Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) and one day introduced me to that complex subject. I will miss him his smiling face, his soft-spoken voice, his geniality, and his intellect.
Edward Ruppert
06/28/2020
I also remember Russ from my Junior Achievement Days back in 1967 and 1968. He was always a great source of encouragement, and helped build in me a spirit of confidence and self-esteem. It is quite easy to remember him after 52 years of my life. I trust that he was able to hear: "Well done, good and faithful servant". For those who shard his time with me and others in his work and spirit of volunteerism, I thank you...
Harley Whitfield Jr.
06/28/2020
Russ was my Junior Achievement Advisor from 1972-1975. I learned a lot from him. He was also a leader in the insurance industry. Russ was a member of my church in West Des Moines. Russ was a great and caring person. I will miss him.
Larry S. Zimmer
06/25/2020
Russ you will be missed. I and all your other Amateur Radio Friends bid you 73. You always listened to my stories and pretended you were hearing them for the first. I will miss all of volunteer work together 1st at the Science Center of Iowa and recently volunteering at Camp Dodge with the back up Fema radios to name a few.. Larry KAØFTO
Kay Smith
06/25/2020
Russ was a special person. He was kind through and through.
Janis Ware
06/25/2020
Russ and I covered a LOT of miles together since becoming running buddies in 1985. I have always cherished his friendship and his sense of humor. What a great role model for taking care of your health and body! I will really miss him and know all of you will, too. So many good memories...
beth bradshaw
06/24/2020
Russ- we will sure miss seeing you pop inThe office. I feel honored to have known you. We will sure miss you. Take care old man.
Beth