Though our hearts were broken, Our Lord God reached out to grasp the hand of Russell Dean McDougall, 83, of Blair, on Sunday, August 2, 2020. Russell was born on August 21, 1936, to Donald and Mary (Haskin) McDougall in Lyle Township, Mower County, MN.  Growing up in a farming family, Russell learned the value of hard work at a young age.  After his dad's diagnosis with Polio, Russell became responsible for the farming activities, while still attending school at the Carpenter School House, rural Blair.  He was united in marriage to Lois L. Salzwedel at the First Lutheran Church Parsonage on October 20, 1956, in Blair.  Together, the couple raised 5 wonderful children.  In addition to building a foundation for family, Russell was known for being a versatile handyman, and worked many jobs over the years.  He owned and operated E&M Trucking-hauling crops and livestock over the road.  After his trucking days, Russell's first job off of the farm was at the Shell Gas Station in Blair.  Russell devoted over 40 years at the AMPI Cheese Plant in Blair, and as foreman, was well-respected and liked by his peers until his retirement in 2000.  Later in life, Russell delivered prescription drugs for the Blair Pharmacy to many nursing homes, hospitals, and people in the area- thus allowing him to get out and socialize while performing a much-needed service.  In his spare time, he mowed many laws and loved thinking about how to build or fix something to make it better.  He loved to pull his grandchildren with his John Deere lawn mower in the Blair Cheese Fest kiddie parades, and, being a devoted family man, never missed a family event. You could always count on Grandpa, as he was never more than a phone call away and never said, "No".  He was so proud of the accomplishments of each and every one of his children and grandchildren.  Russell enjoyed woodworking projects, making homemade Christmas gifts, eating sweets and popcorn balls, and visits over coffee and a donut- whether it be at home or his daily visits to the Rainbow Restaurant.  He will forever be in our hearts and on our minds.  Left to grieve his loss are his children: Rodney (Patsy Deno) McDougall of Black River Falls, Renee Syverson of Blair, Jacqueline (Keith) Sexe of Ettrick, Elizabeth (Rod) McDougall-Saxe of Blair; daughter-in-law, Sidney McDougall of Taylor; brother: Duane (Ann) McDougall of Mt. Pleasant, NC; brother-in-law Frank Ksionsk of Milwaukee; sisters-in-law: Anna Marie Brudos of Galesville, Judy Salzwedel of Ettrick; grandchildren: Eric (Melanie) McDougall, Christine Boe, Megan (Jennifer) Syverson, Rachel (Luke) Solberg, Melissa (Jake) Heimdahl, Tricia (Dylan Severson) Syverson, Carrie (Haakon) Folkedahl, Jillian Syverson, Macy (Jordan) Tenneson, Emily Sexe, Drew McDougall, Olivia McDougall-Saxe, Isaac Sexe, Whitney "Sugar" McDougall-Saxe; great-grandchildren: Austin and Aiden McDougall, Jaxon, Evan, Andrew, and Cooper Boe, Brielle, Emma, Aspen, and Madelyn Solberg, Camryn, Haidyn, and Emersyn Heimdahl, Kynzie and Ivy Severson, Charlie and Crockett Folkedahl, Kash Tenneson and two on the way; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lois; son Donald; sisters: Betty (Earl) Loken and Esther Velma Ksionsk; brothers-in-law, Theron Brudos and Louis Salzwedel. A funeral service for Russell will be held on Friday, August 7, 2020, at 1:00 PM at the North Beaver Creek First Lutheran Church (white church), rural Ettrick, with Reverend Adam Arends officiating. Visitation with social distancing will be from 11:00 AM until the time of service outside of church. Masks will be required and please bring your own chair. Burial will follow in Rest Haven Cemetery, Blair.  Service Details. Visitation Visitation with social distancing will be from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. on the grounds of the church. Masks will be required and please bring your own chair. Interment