Robert (Bob) Eugene Russell, 91, of Spearfish, South Dakota, passed away peacefully and went to rest with the Lord on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the VA Community Living Center in Fort Meade, South Dakota.

Bob was born at the Fort Meade VA Hospital on June 21, 1934, to Hamilton (Rusty) Russell and Helen Lydia (Larson) Russell. After his mother passed away when Bob was three, he and his sister, Betty Lou, were raised by their Grandmother Vikki, in Lead, South Dakota.

Bob attended Lead High School, where he met his future wife, Marrilyn Mueller. He graduated in 1952 and soon enlisted in the Navy, proudly serving his country for four years of active duty. His tour of duty took him across the Pacific on three different mine sweepers.  His stops included the Marshall Islands, Hawaii, the Philippines and Japan among others.   He was honorably discharged as an E-6 Petty Officer First Class earning the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, The Korean Service Medal and The United Nations Service Medal. He continued his service with the South Dakota Army National Guard until 1978.

On December 16, 1956, Bob married Marrilyn, the love of his life. Together they began raising their family in the Lead/Deadwood area, where Bob worked at the Homestake Gold Mine before beginning his education at Black Hills Teachers College. While in Spearfish, Bob attended classes during the day and worked nights at the Spearfish Sawmill. During this time they welcomed their first three children, Valorie, Wanda, and Mark. He earned his bachelor's degree in education in 1962 and went on to work at the Plankinton State Training Center and with the South Dakota Forest Service during the summers.

Bob joined the Nemo Job Corps in 1964, which brought the family back to the Black Hills where their fourth child, Rebecca and their youngest, Scott, were added to the family.  After the devastating Rapid City flood of 1972 destroyed their home, Bob moved the family back to Spearfish, which became their permanent home. He retired from the Job Corps as the Recreation Director in 1989 after 25 years of service. He concluded his career as the Recreation Director at the Student Union at Black Hills State College.

Bob loved fishing, camping, hiking, and drives in the Black Hills. He enjoyed carpentry, sports, and, most of all, time with his family. He never missed a chance to support his children and grandchildren—whether they were playing or coaching. His family cherishes the countless memories, lessons, and love he gave so freely.

Bob was a man of many lives.  After losing Marrilyn in 2012 he survived several medical scares and close calls.  Bouncing back every time and making numerous friends with his care-givers of whom the family deeply appreciates.  We will remember the twinkle in his eye, his smile, his chuckle that shook his body, his growl, his dozens of one liners and nicknames that let you know he really cared about you and appreciated you.  Dad, we know you are just "resting your eyes."

Bob is survived by his five children: Valorie (Tom) Olson of Bennington, NE; Wanda Russell of Spearfish, SD; Mark (Stacey) Russell of Spearfish, SD; Becky (Steve) Harshman of Casper, WY; and Scott (Annette) Russell of Casper, WY. He was blessed with 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his Grandmother Vikki, his sister Betty Lou Moore, and his beloved wife of 56 years, Marrilyn.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Military burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota. Following the burial, please join the family for refreshments and fellowship at the home of Chris Gengler 3445 Higgins Gulch Road, Spearfish.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com