Russell Forney, 68, of Richland, died Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Columbus Community Hospital.
Funeral Service Tuesday, March 4, 2025 10:30 A.M.
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Columbus
1470 24th Avenue Columbus
Rev. Patrick Sparling, Officiating
Visitation Monday 5-7 P.M. at Kracl Funeral Chapel, Schuyler
Visitation will resume Tuesday 9:30 A.M at Church
Lunch following the service in the Church Hall
Burial at Pleasant View Cemetery
Memorials in care of the family
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Russell Joseph Forney, a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished “Papa”, on February 28th, 2025. He was 68 years old.
Russell was born on May 5, 1956, in David City to John and Florence (Smith) Forney. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bellwood. He attended school in Bellwood and high school in David City.On April 8th, 1978, Russell married the love of his life, Linda (Henry) at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus. The couple lived in the Richland area for the past 30 years. Russell worked at “the Pack” early in their marriage where he made lots of friends and was nicknamed “Frito”. He then worked at Camaco (formerly D&L) doing Machine Tool & Die for 38 years until he retired in 2022. While his daughters were in high school, Russ even worked part-time in the evenings welding at Behlens.
He was a 4-H leader for woodworking while his girls were in 4-H. He loved to garden and always wanted Linda to can everything until he even started canning some things on his own (cabbage & peaches). Then sending his extra tomatoes with his daughters so they could make salsa or tomato juice. Russell was a man of unwavering dedication and a strong work ethic. He poured his heart into everything he did, whether it was providing for his family, tinkering with projects in his garage, or working with his hands in the garden. He trusted the Lord and would talk to him often.
Russell found solace and joy with the simple things in life. He loved watching his classic Westerns, and spent time reading books that told tales of the Old West. He had become quite the “puzzler” in the past few years. Putting puzzles together with his wife, Linda and the random piece added in by a visiting grandchild. His passion for steam engines & “threshing” was evident as he worked alongside his brothers at the Forney Farm. He especially loved sharing this passion with his daughters and grandchildren.
Above all else, Russ treasured his family. His greatest joy came from spending time with his five daughters, Sarah Doerneman, Lyza Noyd, Emma Trofholz, Susan Fischer, and his beloved daughter, Julie Emma, who preceded him in death. Russ was a constant source of strength, support, and unconditional love. He would often “drop everything” to go help his daughters. His twelve grandchildren brought him immense happiness, he especially loved rocking them to sleep when they were babies. He always had a good story to tell them, even the story of when he had a pet squirrel named “Patches”.He was also a devoted companion to his loyal dogs over the years. Jimmy, Sophie and their newest puppy, Lucy.
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Linda, his daughters, his grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of hard work, love and dedication to his family will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. Russell is survived by his wife, Linda, his four daughters Sarah (Michael) Doerneman of Duncan, Lyza (Rueben) Noyd of Howells, Emma (Turner) Trofholz of Columbus, Susan (Tim) Fischer of Columbus; 12 grandchildren, Ava, Lola, Zoe, Norah, Dominic, Briggs, Ella, Willa, McCoy, Emerson, Hank & Evie. Siblings: Bill (Pam), Ben (Gayle), Matt (Bonnie), Angie, Olivia (Roger), Ed (Abby) & Shawn and multiple nieces & nephews.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, John H. & Florence Forney, his sister, Rose Primus and his oldest daughter, Julie Emma.
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