Russell Plesuk, 98, former resident of Butte, ND died peacefully Thursday, May 2, 2019, at Eventide Nursing Home in Fargo, ND surrounded by his family.

Russell was born October 24, 1920 near Butte, ND to John and Eva (Lalka) Plesuk, who were immigrants from the Ukraine. He grew up on the family farm with his 7 brothers and one sister, working hard to help his parents. When he was 22, he moved to Detroit, MI where he worked at Woodall Industries making landing doors and fuselages for B-24's (Bomber Airplanes). On July 2, 1943, Russell was inducted into the US Navy. During his service he crossed the English Channel 57 times as a 1st Class Seaman on Landing Ship Tank #287 unloading tanks on the beaches of Normandy. After being honorably discharged on November 6, 1945, Russell moved back to Detroit where he worked for Parke-Davis Pharmaceuticals and intended to reside, but in 1947 he decided he missed home and moved back to North Dakota. Russell was able to go with his son, John, in 2008 on the 2nd Honor Flight to visit the WWII memorial in Washington, DC. It was an experience he held dear to his heart.

Russell was united in marriage to Ethel Skorick on June 4, 1948 at a Baptist Church in Bismarck, ND. After living in Bismarck for a few months they purchased land from Russell's oldest brother and moved back to Butte in August of 1948. They built a home (a half mile from his twin brother, Raymond), started a farming operation, worked very hard all of their lives and would see the blessing of eight children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren. After his wife of 68 years passed away in October of 2016, Russell moved to Good Samaritan Assisted Living in Fargo, ND where he made many friends and called it home.

Russell's greatest pride and joy in life was his family. He especially loved to see his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed playing harmonica. We all looked forward to our birthday phone call where he would play Happy Birthday to us. He also enjoyed getting to know people wherever he went, going to church, playing games, gardening until he was 96 years young, listening to the radio (particularly high school sports), and singing with others wherever he went. He and his son Terry spent many happy times singing gospels on the phone. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

He was a member of the VFW, American Legion Post #270 and Liberty Baptist Church of Kief.

Russell is survived by his children, Diane (Roger) Rieger, St Cloud MN, John (Connie) Plesuk, Minot, Julie (Roger) Bofenkamp, Debbie (Rey) Schaan and Terry Plesuk, all of Fargo ND , Jeanie (Jim) Tiefenthaler, Bismarck and Angie (Tony) Holenko, International Falls, MN; Twenty-four grandchildren, thirty-four great grandchildren, sister, Evelyn Nylen, Bismarck, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ethel, infant son, Russell John and daughter, JoAnn (Monte) Bokovoy, grandchildren, Bradley Bokovoy and Andrea Rieger. Siblings Harry, Mike (Helen), Paul (Mary), Sam (Frances), Ralph, Peter (Emma), and twin brother Raymond (Frieda).

Funeral: 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 10, 2019 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Minot.
Interment: Butte Cemetery, Butte, ND at 2:30 p.m. on Friday.
Visitation: Thursday, May 9, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Immanuel Baptist Church, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to American Legion Post #270 and The Butte Cemetery.

Russell Plesuk Flowers