PORTAGE -- Russell Norman Hurd's time on Earth has ended. His very productive life and Christian existence has been a joy for all who knew him. Russell began his life journey April 12, 1922. His first depression era job was cleaning out Doc Pease's office in Rio for which he received the tidy sum of 5 cents. He promptly saved his earnings only to splurge when the right moment came, a trait he wisely practiced for a lifetime. Subsequent jobs included time on the Milwaukee Road and as a heavy truck driver in Grant county. The Friday night dances in Mineral Point were in his words, "a little bit too much fun" to tell all. He was self employed as owner and principal worker for Hurd Masonry. Russell's business thrived because of his unquestioned skills, hard work ethic, and honestly caring about his customer. In business for 37 years, he never actively advertised and was never without work. Like so many of his time, Russell served in the military during WWII. An Air Force veteran, he served in England during the war and could identify planes by sound through most of his life. Russ was a past Commander of the Portage VFW and a fixture at VFW events. Bowling was one hobby and amazingly, Russ, Bob, Duke, Louie, Marv, George, and Herb were teammates for 50 years. Lucky in love, he married Alice Doepke, daughter of Bill Doepke who started him down the masonry path in 1946. Russ and Alice had 39 great years of marriage until her passing in November 1985. His next wife was a saxophone playing friend from his Columbus high school days. Thelma was his golden age partner for the last 28 years and extended Russ's family. What can you say about a guy who actually laid the cornerstone at St. John's Church in Portage and by all accounts never had an enemy in the world? The world's a better place from your time here Russell. As dad, husband, grandfather, citizen, and friend... you were the best. Thanks and all our love. Till we meet again! Russell was preceded in death by his father, Rodney; mother, Nettie; and one brother, Philip. He is survived by his wife, Thelma; sister, Beverly Evenson; daughter, Nancy McConochie Zuhlke; sons, Neal and Norm (Pam); grandchildren, Leslie, Joan, Betsy (John), Louis, Kevin and Jayne; great-grandchildren, Josh, Jackson, Alice, Andrew and Maya; plus step sons, Steve (Pam), Bob (Sherry) and Paul (Barb) Bergum, their families and many other dear friends. Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Portage. The Rev Kurt Klingbeil will be officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the church. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Portage. www.pichafh.com Service Details. Visitation

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