Anthony Lloyd Russ, age 81 of Mankato, MN died Monday morning December 4,2023 at Benedictine Care Community in St. Peter, MN. with his family at his side. Services will be private with family. Tony’s family would like to thank Benedictine Care Community and Ecumen Hospice for all of their love, kindness, compassion, care and support they gave to their father and his family.

Anthony Lloyd Russ (Tony) was born September 11, 1942 son of Lloyd and Leah (Morris) Russ in Mankato, MN. He grew up on a farm outside of Garden City, MN with his younger siblings Greg and Gay where they raised hogs and dairy cows. He told many stories of the long hours they worked on the farm. He graduated school in Garden City, MN, the class of 1960. He played defensive tackle on the football team and he loved his hot rod cars. Right after graduation, he joined the United States Navy with his buddy Harlan, where he served 4 years and was honorably discharged in 1964.  In the Navy, he learned fabrication, machining, and iron work, and where he began boxing.  Years later, he helped train his son Matthew and other young men to box in Golden Gloves in Mankato, MN.

He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carolyn Ann Edwards March 20, 1964. Together they had 5 children (Sheri, Matthew, Dawn, Steve and Jason), and the couple divorced in 1980. Tony was a Jack of all trades. In his career, he worked several jobs. Fuller Construction where he was an iron worker, B&R Salvage, Hubbard Milling CO., construction, and truck driving.  Most recently, he was a welder for Hinikers where he worked for 25 years before retiring. He was a very hard worker and took pride in everything he did, and he could fix just about anything.

Over his life time he enjoyed: boxing, dancing, roller skating, camping at Daly Park outside of Mapleton, MN with Carolyn, their 5 children and family and friends. He loved playing softball, bowling on the men’s and couples bowling leagues, golfing, and demolition derbies. He and his brother in-law would get their cars ready for the demolition derby at the Blue Earth County Fair. He enjoyed playing softball, kickball and basketball with his children; played cards and board games with his family, especially a game called, “Marbles.” Tony’s father made many marbles boards in his shop. Just about every weekend, the grown-ups would sit around the table and play cards for hours, while the kids would play with cousins and friends. He loved going to concerts, (Alan Jackson and Alabama), and he loved traveling. He gained a love for Montana and its beauty while truck driving. He would take his Harley out for a ride whenever he could. One summer he and another buddy took a long motorcycle trip out west all over and visited friends and other military buddies. He had many adventures and stories to share when they returned. He had a soft spot and love for dogs, especially his St. Bernards, “Bernard” and “Scooby” and Schnauzers “Sofie” and “Jack”. His love for his furry friends never ended and gave him a lot of companionship.  He loved and took pride in his family and talked about them often.  He could be a grizzly bear but had a heart of gold.

Anthony is survived by his brother Greg (Carol) Russ;  children: Sheri (Claver) Hoehn, Mathew (Bobbie) Russ, Dawn Cory and (Dennis), Steve (Jessica) Russ and Jason Russ; 16 grandchildren: Scott, Laura, Dustin, Dylan, Dalton, Kalei, Jacob, Jackson, Haley, Hannah, Cole, Taylor, Abby, Brittney, Christian and Austin; 11 great-grandchildren: Aadyn, Grayson, Cash, John, Beatris, Conrad, Veyda, Cyrus, Bentley, Seavana, and Haven; along with many nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his parents; his sister Gay, granddaughter Sweet Pea, great-granddaughters: Morgan and Elizabeth.