Service Information
Claude Russell Darnell age 78, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2020, at his home in Hutchinson.
Celebration of Life will be Friday, November 6, 2020, 11:00 A.M. at Riverside Church in Hutchinson.
Visitation will be Friday, November 6, 2020, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church.
Obituary
Claude Russell Darnell, Jr. was born on Sept. 25, 1942 in Maysville, KY. He was adopted and raised by his grandparents, Sena and Cleveland Darnell, in the rolling foothills of Kentucky. After high school graduation, Russ joined the military and served in the Air Force until 1965. During his time in service, Russ was married to Victoria Campa for 10 years and together they had four beautiful daughters. After moving to Brownton, MN, Russ attended HAVTI (Hutchinson Vo-Tech) for Sales and Marketing. It was there that he met Kathy Fratzke. On January 25, 1974, they were married and made their home in rural Hutchinson. They were blessed with two sons.
Russ worked for Culligan for 12 years, then was hired at HTI as an Engineering Technician, working with their DI and RO water systems. He retired in 2009.
Russ had a love for anything with wheels...motorcycles, cars, trucks, and tractors. He liked antiques and restored a 1950's gas station on their property. He enjoyed hunting, camping, driving, working outside in the yard, and just enjoying God's beauty through nature. Russ cherished the time spent with his family and friends.
Russ passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at his home, at the age of 78. He will be dearly missed.
Russ is survived by his wife of 46 years, Kathy, and his children: Sherry Spaeth (Todd), Kim Osterhout, Tania Meyer, Dawn (Dana) Stanke, and Chad (Wendy) Darnell, Grandkids: Hudson, Hathaway, Chandler, Tucker and Tristan Darnell, Brandon Spaeth, Brianna Akre, Chase, Drake, and Jackson Osterhout, Cassandra Norton, Elicia Shepard, Cheyenne, Morgan and Laney Meyer, Christopher, Alex and Masie Anderson, and 9 great-grandkids.
Russ was proceeded in death by his son, Joseph Darnell. They are now celebrating together in heaven.
Mary Reardon says
Thoughts and prayers are with you.. I went to HAVTI with Russ
Dianne Bonniwell says
Kathy sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May you find comfort in your memories during your time of grief and sorrow.
steve a wendlandt says
We absolutely thought “Russell” was a great guy, he was always helping out anyone who needed it. We hope that his family will stay strong and keep up his excellent attitude!
Steve and Rita Wendlandt (former “Browntonians”)
Ron & Vickie Lueck says
Kathy & family,
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Marj I Frieler says
Kathy , So sorry to hear of Russ passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Arlene Moehring says
Kathy – our sympathies on the passing of Russ. We have many fond memories of him (and you) from the years spent at HTI. Arlene and Larry Moehring
Juanita Smutka says
You have our deepest sympathy, Kathy. May you find comfort in all the many years of happy memories together with Russ. Praying God will keep you close at this very sad and difficult time.
Dora Dissmeyer says
Oh, Kathy……what can I say? My heart hurts for you. I’ve been there, and it is a very new normal coming for you. Know that I’m thinking about you every day.
Dora
Laurie (Vasko) Bacon says
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of Russ passing. Sending my deepest sympathies.
Connie Harbarth says
Kathy and family,
My deepest sympathy. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve and Sharon Blake says
Kathy,
So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Darnell says
I want to personally thank each and every one of you for your prayers, cards, flowers, gifts, but most of all, your love and friendship for both Russ and I. We were very blessed to have shared almost 47 years of love and marriage. All of our days are numbered, and the Lord knew Russ was ready to be reunited with our son, Joe. Knowing Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior gives me peace. It is reassuring, knowing that when my “time is up”, we will be reunited again! Love and hugs to all. Have a blessed Christmas!
???. Kathy