Russell Howard Vanorny , 93, Minot, died Sunday, December 12, 2010 in a Minot Nursing Home.

Russell was born April 21, 1917 at Ashley, North Dakota, the son of Joseph and Bertha (Miller)Vanorny. He was raised and educated at Ashley and continued his education at Ellendale Teacher's College.

Russ entered into active duty service with the U.S. Army on October 17, 1941 and served as a 1st Sergeant with a light artillery tank unit of the 92nd Field Artillery Unit of the 9th Army. He honorably served his country in the European Theater of World War II, fighting in numerous battles and receiving countless awards and decorations. He was honorably discharged on October 31, 1945.

Russ was united in marriage to Jeanne Welton on October 17, 1941 at Sidney, Montana, while home on furlough from the War. They made their home at 1415 6th Street S.W. Minot for more than 50 years. Russ worked as an automotive parts salesman for Motor Service Company for over 35 years. He and Jeanne had moved to the Wellington Assisted Living Center in 2007. They enjoyed spending many of their summers with family and friends at Lake Audubon.

Russ was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, Minot. He was also a member of the Minot American Legion and a former member of the Minot Elks #1089 and V.F. W. Post #753. He had served on the Board of Directors for the Minot Mallards Baseball team. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, curling and especially sporting events on the television.

Russ is survived by: his wife of 69 years, Jeanne; daughter, who was born on his birthday, Carole (Larry) Marsh, Maple Grove, MN; grandsons, Kelly (Sherry) Marsh, Plymouth, MN, Corey (Kimberly) Marsh, Maple Grove, MN; great-grandchildren, Emily, Carter, Evan and Mikaela; nephew, Jay (Lola) Vanorny, Dunseith, ND.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ernest and Ina Welton, and brothers, LeRoy and Virgil.

Funeral service: Thursday, December 16, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in First Presbyterian Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Wednesday from 3:00-7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.